Known for its glitzy stage costumes and sometimes outlandish performances, the Eurovision Song Contest is now launching its first-ever Asia edition.
Broadcasters from 10 countries in the region, including South Korea, Bhutan, Thailand, and the Philippines, have confirmed their participation. According to the contest's website, there are more to follow.
Countries will first host their own national selections before the grand final in Bangkok, which is scheduled to be broadcast live on November 14.
First held in 1956, Eurovision has grown into the world's longest-running international music competition.
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, Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, stated.
As a rule, the songs performed at Eurovision must be original and lead vocals sung live. Performers are voted on by music experts and fans.
The competition has supercharged the careers of some of the world’s most famous acts, such as Swedish pop group Abba and Canadian singer Celine Dion, who represented Switzerland in 1988.
Last year's contest attracted around 163 million viewers, showcasing a diverse array of songs, from upbeat anthems to heartfelt ballads.
However, the contest has also become a stage for international political tensions; several countries are boycotting this year's European contest in Vienna due to Israel's participation.
Moreover, Russia has been banned from entering since 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, leading to the launch of an alternative contest named Intervision.
Attempts to create an Asian version of Eurovision have been made since the 2000s, but none have materialized until now.
Chuwit Sirivajjakul, a senior official at the Thailand Tourism Authority, expressed his belief that Bangkok is the ideal host city for the contest: This city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life.
The Asia edition of the contest is organized by the European Broadcasting Union in partnership with Los Angeles-based entertainment company Voxovation and Thailand-based S2O Productions.
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