First Eurovision Asia final brings 11 countries to Bangkok

The Eurovision Song Contest expands into Asia this weekend, with 11 countries competing in the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia.

The new regional version brings the familiar Eurovision mix of original songs, elaborate performances and international voting to Asia. As in the European competition, participating countries are represented by artists performing original entries, with the winner decided by a combination of jury and public votes. Organisers say the event aims to showcase the region's musical and cultural diversity, with performers bringing their own languages, sounds and styles to the international stage.

An Asian version of the contest has been in the works since about 2009. An Australian broadcaster was involved in an attempt to launch it around 2017 before the plan was shelved in 2025; the European Broadcasting Union later announced the contest in March. Eurovision said the idea was motivated by the region's diversity, creativity and cultural identity, grounded in the spirit that has always defined the contest: united by music.

The first Eurovision Song Contest Asia takes place on Saturday 14 November 2026 at One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai television personalities Woody Milintachinda and Cindy Bishop will host the inaugural grand final, with Australian entertainer Courtney Act joining the coverage as commentator.

Australian viewers can stream the live grand final on SBS On Demand from 12:30am AEDT on Sunday, November 15.

The 11 competing countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The entries are: Vietnam - Toc Tien, 'EM TIEN'; Cambodia - Monetrey, 'I Let You Go'; Laos - Thinla, 'BAE'; Mongolia - Beck, 'Chamguigeer (Without You)'; Bhutan - Nyendra, 'Lhayi Semo'; Philippines - CARMELLE, 'Sobra-Sobra'; Bangladesh - Beatmosphere, 'Tumi Ele'; Thailand - MANG x DAOU, 'Aroma'; Republic of Korea - JUNHEE, 'DEEP DIVE'; Nepal - Pratik Himal Rai, 'Ananta Maya'; Malaysia - Aina Abdul, 'Bluest Sky'.

Voting will be familiar to Eurovision fans: professional juries and the public each account for 50 per cent of the result. Eleven national juries will award points and international viewers can vote for their favourite performances; as with the European contest, viewers cannot vote for their own country.

Illustrative microphone on an empty stage, not the Bangkok contest venue.