Eurovision in Asia will hold its first final in Bangkok in 2026

The Eurovision Song Contest will stage a regional Asian final in Bangkok on November 14, 2026, with ten countries—including South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia and Laos—confirmed to compete and more participants to be announced, organizers said.

The Eurovision Song Contest is launching a regional Asian edition in 2026, with the grand final scheduled for November 14 in Bangkok, Thailand. Ten countries are confirmed to compete, including South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia and Laos, and organizers say more participants will be announced in the coming months. Eurovision began in 1956 and is known for theatrical performances and national entries selected by broadcasters. Organizers say the Asian edition is intended to reflect the voices and identities of the region. Key details: - The grand final for the inaugural Asian edition is scheduled for November 14, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. - Ten nations are confirmed to take part so far; the contest's website said additional participants will be named later. - Each participating country's broadcaster selects an artist to perform an original song of up to three minutes, with winners decided by a combination of professional juries and public votes; jurors and viewers are not allowed to vote for their own country. - Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the European Broadcasting Union, said the event will reflect regional voices, identities and ambitions. - The European edition draws a large global audience and has helped launch careers such as ABBA and Celine Dion, while recent years have seen political disputes affect participation and viewing. - The European Broadcasting Union has introduced new rules aimed at improving neutrality and limiting disproportionate government influence over voting. Summary: Bringing Eurovision to Asia extends the contest beyond its traditional European base and introduces a regional final that follows the contest's established format. Organizers have confirmed ten competing countries and said they will announce more entrants in the coming months, with the Bangkok final set for November 14, 2026.