Eurovision brings pop and politics to Asia
From South Korea to Malaysia and the Philippines, 11 countries are competing in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia in Bangkok on Nov 14.
This Saturday, Eurovision stages its first Asia edition in Bangkok, introducing the European song contest's unique blend of kitsch and geopolitics to Asia's most populous region. From Laos to the Philippines, 11 countries will compete, broadcast live on television and YouTube. Despite a 35 million drop in 2026 viewership following a boycott by five countries due to Israel's participation, the event aims to continue its 70-year legacy of launching successful artists like ABBA and Celine Dion.
The Asia edition is its first multinational expansion, though US and Canadian versions have occurred in the past. India, Japan, and China are absent this year, and ticket sales have been slow. Eurovision is known for its over-the-top staging, eclectic music, and large LGBTQ following, while the 2026 Asia contest features a mix of established stars and innovative acts like Vietnam's Toc Tien and Bangladesh's beatbox collective, Beatmosphere.
Despite some criticism for lacking provocation or meaningful messaging, Eurovision continues to captivate international audiences with its diverse entries and cultural exchange.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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