Eurovision Song Contest will launch its first major expansion into Asia in 2026, bringing the iconic live music event to a new continent for the first time. The inaugural edition will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, with the Grand Final scheduled for Saturday 14 November. Ten countries have already confirmed their participation, each preparing to bring distinctive voices, cultural perspectives, and musical storytelling to the stage, with more expected in the months ahead.
This development coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, the world’s largest live music competition. Extending the Contest to Asia reflects both the ambition and adaptability of the event. Its mission of uniting audiences through music, promoting cultural exchange, and celebrating creativity will remain at the core, now framed by the rich diversity of the Asian continent.
Confirmed broadcasters include Bangladesh (NTV), Bhutan (Bhutan Broadcasting Service), Cambodia (TV5 Cambodia), Laos (Vientiane Capital Television), Malaysia (Media Prima, TV3), Nepal (Himalaya TV), the Philippines (ABS-CBN), South Korea (produced by PK Inc), Thailand as host (Channel 3), and Vietnam (Vietnam Television, VTV3). Each country will select its entry via national finals, following the same process familiar to Eurovision fans worldwide.
Thailand’s Channel 3 will act as the host broadcaster, managing production alongside the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Voxovation, and S2O Productions. Bangkok’s combination of historic landmarks, vibrant street life, and contemporary architecture will provide a striking backdrop, reflecting the Contest’s dedication to both artistic spectacle and cultural authenticity.
The city will host a stage designed to connect creative communities across borders. By offering a platform for emerging and established artists, the event aims to amplify diverse musical expressions while fostering collaboration across the region. With participating countries representing over 600 million people, this first pan-Asian edition is poised to become one of the most talked-about entertainment events in the region.
At its core, Eurovision Song Contest is about connecting people through music. In Asia, that connection will be defined by the region’s range of musical traditions, cultural richness, and energetic creative communities. The Contest’s expansion into Asia is intended not only as a celebration of performance but also as a bridge between cultures, encouraging dialogue and shared experience.
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, commented on the announcement:
“As we mark 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest, opening a chapter in Asia is especially significant. This region is rich in culture and talent. Eurovision in Asia will evolve with the voices, identities, and ambitions of local artists and audiences, while maintaining the shared spirit that has defined the Contest for generations. Music has always connected people, and in Asia, that connection will take on new dimensions.”
The 2026 edition in Bangkok promises to set a new standard for international music events in Asia, combining live performance with cultural storytelling. Audiences and participants can follow developments and updates at www.eurovisionasia.com
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