Adaptation of 70-year-old competition format will bring 10 national broadcasters from the region together in Bangkok
The Eurovision Song Contest is set for an Asian adaptation, with a Bangkok-based event in the works.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and event producer Voxovation has linked up with S2O Productions to launch Eurovision Song Contest Asia, which will take place Saturday 14 November in the Thai capital.
The inaugural edition will, likes it European sibling, feature national selection shows across Asia that culminate in a live grand final taking place in Bangkok.
Asian platform ZOOP has struck a deal to be the exclusive social partner to the contest, with fans able to engage with artists and join communities.
The contest will be broadcast in partnership with Thailand’s Channel 3, with broadcasters from 10 countries across Asia confirmed.
Participating countries are: Bangladesh (NTV), Bhutan (Bhutan Broadcasting Service), Cambodia (TV5), Laos (VTE9), Malaysia (TV3), Nepal (Himalaya TV), Philippines (ABS-CBN), South Korea (PK Inc), Vietnam (VTV3).
Further countries are expected to be added in the coming months, the EBU added, which is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest this year.
The Asian reboot is expected to have a potential audience reach of more than 600 million people across the region.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, said: “As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent.
“This is about evolving Eurovision together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special.”
Peter Settman, chief exec and co-founder of Voxovation, added: “From day one, our ambition has been to build the Eurovision Song Contest Asia together with the region’s best creative talent, creating a show that truly reflects Asia’s identity and creative energy.
“Together with S2O Productions, we are shaping a show where artists and fans connect across borders in new ways, through participation, community and deeper engagement beyond the stage, with ZOOP helping bring that fan experience to life.”
The Eurovision Song Contest first took place in 1956 and allows all members of the EBU to compete, with a high of 43 countries represented in 2008, 2011 and 2018.
SBS in Australia has also previously been invited to take part, while a number of countries have boycotted the upcoming 2026 edition because of Israel’s participation.
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