It's happening! Bangkok to host first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia in 2026

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Voxovation together with S2O Productions and Thailand’s Channel 3 are excited to announce that Eurovision Song Contest Asia will debut in 2026, with Bangkok selected as the Host City for its inaugural edition.

Broadcasters from 10 countries across Asia are confirmed to take part with more to be announced in the coming months, each bringing their own voice, identity and storytelling to the stage.

10 countries announced

The very first multinational expansion of the Eurovision Song Contest will feature artists and songs from:

• Bangladesh (NTV)

• Bhutan (Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS))

• Cambodia (TV5 Cambodia)

• Laos (Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9))

• Malaysia (Media Prima (TV3))

• Nepal (Himalaya TV)

• The Philippines (ABS-CBN)

• South Korea (ENA (SK Telecom / KT Group))

• Thailand (Channel 3)

• Vietnam (Vietnam Television (VTV3))

Further countries are expected to join as the competition expands.

The Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 will take place in Thailand’s capital Bangkok on Saturday 14 November 2026 with each participating broadcaster choosing its entries via national finals in the months leading up to the event.

Shaping the future of Eurovision in Asia

On the 70th anniversary of the world's largest live music event, the Eurovision Song Contest is now opening a new chapter in Asia shaped by the region’s diversity, creativity and cultural identity, and grounded in the same spirit that has always defined the Contest: United by Music.

For seven decades, the Eurovision Song Contest has brought countries together through music, storytelling and live television, reaching audiences of hundreds of millions every year.

Now, in collaboration with leading broadcasters and production companies across Asia, Eurovision Song Contest Asia will build on that legacy, creating a new shared stage where cultures meet, voices are amplified, and creative communities connect across borders.

Designed to grow with the region, the format brings together countries representing more than 600 million people. With no comparable pan-Asian platform today, it is set to become one of the region’s most talked-about entertainment events.

Rooted in the same spirit that has defined Eurovision for generations, the Contest carries forward a simple but powerful idea, connecting people through music and shared experiences.

In Asia, that idea will take on new meaning, shaped by the region’s extraordinary diversity and creative energy.

Evolving Eurovision together with Asia

Martin Green CBE, 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.

Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being United by Music.”

Why Bangkok?

Host City Bangkok is a place where tradition and modern expression coexist seamlessly, it offers a natural home for a contest built on diversity and exchange, connecting artists and audiences from across the region and beyond.

Eurovision Song Contest Asia will provide a powerful platform for artists to share their music, stories and identities with audiences across the region and globally, strengthening cultural exchange between Asia and Europe.

The event further reinforces Thailand’s position as a destination for world-class cultural and entertainment experiences.

Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, at the Thailand Tourism Authority said:

“When I heard that the European Broadcasting Union and Voxovation were considering Bangkok as the home for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, I thought, of course, it should be Bangkok, because this city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life.

It is a place where tradition and innovation do not compete. They collaborate. That is the spirit of Eurovision, which celebrates the unity of diverse musical voices from across Asia and beyond.

We believe travel is in the moments that restore you, inspire you, and connect you to something larger than yourself. Eurovision Song Contest Asia embodies exactly that, and we are proud to welcome it home, marking a new chapter for Thailand's global presence.”

Is Australia competing?

There is no word yet if Australia will be competing or if talks are underway.

Previous iterations in the early planning stages initially included Australia. We have reached out to SBS and are awaiting comment.

The history of Eurovision Asia

Plans for an Asian version of the Eurovision Song Contest have been in the works for nearly a decade but have now materialised!

The concept was first formally announced in 2016 by Australian broadcaster SBS, with an inaugural edition originally set for 2017. However, the project faced numerous delays before being ultimately shelved.

In 2021, SBS Commissioning Editor and Australian Head of Delegation Josh Martin confirmed that the broadcaster had officially abandoned the project. “We spent a number of years trying to figure out how to do it, and then the global pandemic came along,” Martin explained, adding that SBS had rescinded its rights to the format.

This wasn’t the first attempt to launch an Asian or Asia-Pacific Eurovision spin-off.

Earlier efforts under the name Asiavision were licensed by the EBU, with proposed contests set for Macau in 2009 and Mumbai in 2010—neither of which went ahead. SBS was also expected to be involved in those plans.

Despite setbacks, there was renewed optimism in 2022 when Paul Clarke, a former Australian Head of Delegation, hinted during an awards speech that Eurovision Asia was still a priority.

It's great to see the green light is now on for Eurovision Asia!

Be part of the journey and follow Eurovision Song Contest Asia at www.eurovisionasia.com

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