Eurovision’s next act is in Asia

Eurovision is officially heading to Asia for the first time, and Bangkok will host the inaugural edition of the contest. The grand final is scheduled for Nov. 14 in Thailand’s capital, which is either a major new chapter for the brand or, depending on your tolerance for glitter, a fresh excuse for confetti cannons.

The project is being developed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which owns and manages Eurovision, alongside Voxovation, 2O Productions and Thailand’s Channel 3.

Broadcasters already confirmed

Ten countries have been confirmed so far, with more expected in the coming weeks. The lineup includes:

  • Thailand’s Channel 3
  • South Korea’s PK Inc.
  • Malaysia’s Media Prima (TV3)
  • the Philippines’ ABS-CBN
  • Vietnam’s Vietnam Television (VTV3)
  • Cambodia’s TV5 Cambodia
  • Laos’ Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9)
  • Bangladesh’s NTV
  • Bhutan’s Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS)
  • Nepal’s Himalaya TV

The EBU said additional countries will be announced soon, suggesting the roster is still growing rather than, say, resting comfortably on ten broadcasters and calling it a day.

A milestone year for Eurovision

The announcement lands during Eurovision’s 70th anniversary year. The main European contest is still on the calendar too, with the 2025 edition set for Vienna, Austria, this May.

Martin Green, Eurovision’s director, said the timing makes the Asian launch especially meaningful.

“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,”

Green said the goal is to evolve the format with the region rather than simply copy and paste the European version.

“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.”

Voxovation says the show will be built with the region

Peter Settman, CEO and co-founder of Voxovation, said the company’s plan has always been to work with local creative talent from the start.

“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.”

He added that the production aims to go beyond the stage performance itself and create deeper fan engagement.

“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.”

Settman also said the project has a personal dimension, describing how he grew up watching Eurovision, singing along at home and later seeing his children do the same.

The American version had a shorter life

A U.S. spin-off, The American Song Contest, aired on NBC in 2022 as a reality series hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson. It did not return for a second season.