Eurovision is finally coming to Asia - meet the stars gearing up to take the stage
The Eurovision Song Contest is expanding into Asia with its first grand final taking place in Bangkok. The event aims to adapt the long-running European format for Asian audiences, though organizers note challenges in shifting the focus from individual star power to the songs themselves.
Why it matters
This marks a significant cultural expansion for a 70-year-old institution, testing whether a format rooted in European history can resonate in the diverse media markets of Asia.
Image source, Eurovision Song Contest Asia Image caption, Mongolia's Beck debuted as a singer in 2007 and has since made his mark in acting, hosting, modelling and producing
On Saturday, the biggest and longest-running international song contest will make a leap into unknown territory.
Eurovision, the pan-European competition famed for zany gimmicks, slick, sometimes over-the-top staging, the drama of its complex voting system and, occasionally, for outstanding music, celebrates its 70th birthday this year.
And to mark it, the European Broadcasting Union is trying out audiences in Asia.
It's an idea that's been talked about for two decades but never materialised, despite many false starts.
Until now - Eurovision Asia will hold its first grand final in Bangkok, starting at 20:30 ICT (13:30 GMT).
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
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