'Waiting so long': Fans gather for Eurovision's first Asia show
The first Asian edition of the Eurovision Song Contest has kicked off in Bangkok, featuring performers from 11 countries. The event aims to replicate the cultural success of the European original in the world's most populous region.
Why it matters
The expansion of a major Western cultural brand into Asia tests the global appeal of Eurovision's format and its potential to influence regional pop culture.
Performers from 11 countries including Laos, the Philippines and South Korea are battling it out for the first Asia crown, in a contest featuring Bangladeshi beatboxing, Vietnamese pop and a love song by a Mongolian economist.
Thailand's contestants Mang x Daou perform during the preview show of the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 at One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok on Nov 13, 2026. (Photo: AFP/ Chanakarn Laosarakham)
BANGKOK: Eurovision fans sporting flags and bright outfits gathered on Saturday (Nov 14) in Bangkok for its first Asia edition, featuring Bangladeshi beatboxing, Vietnamese pop and a love song by a Mongolian economist.
Performers from 11 countries also including Laos, the Philippines and South Korea are battling it out for the first Asia crown of a contest famed in Europe for its lavish outfits, soaring vocals and sometimes tricky geopolitics.
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
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