'Waiting so Long': Fans Gather for Eurovision's First Asia Show
Performers from 11 countries compete for the first Asia crown as Eurovision tests whether its format can draw viewers beyond Europe.
- On Saturday, Eurovision launched its first Asia edition in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring performers from 11 countries including Laos, the Philippines, and South Korea competing for the inaugural regional crown.
- The expansion coincides with Eurovision's 70th anniversary as the event drew 131 million viewers globally, though 2026 figures dropped 35 million following a boycott by five nations over Israel's participation.
- Participants range from Vietnam pop star Toc Tien to Mongolian economist Beck, who wore a "suit of a warrior." Executive producer Assaf Blecher called the Asian edition "a little bit more innocent" than its European counterpart.
- Votes split between juries and viewers, with ballots often reflecting national relationships. Malaysian fan Fauzan praised the event's arrival, though tickets remained available hours before showtime in Bangkok.
- Establishing the brand in the region could take "two, three, five years," said European Broadcasting Union director Martin Green. The contest aims to build a footprint despite the absence of major markets like China, Japan, and India.
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Years were planned, postponed and doubted – now it really happened: in Bangkok the very first "Eurovision Song Contest Asia" rose.
Arab News
PressNewsAgency‘Waiting so long’: Fans gather for Eurovision’s first Asia show
Eurovision held its first-ever Asia edition in Bangkok, featuring 11 countries’ performances. The event included acts from Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia, and more, competing for the first Asia crown.
Eurovision fans dressed in flags and bright clothes gathered in Bangkok on Saturday for the first show of the song contest in Asia.
Eurovision fans, adorned with flags and dressed in colorful costumes, gathered in Bangkok today for the first Asian edition of the contest. The performances included a Bangladeshi rhythm performance, Vietnamese pop and a love song by a Mongolian economist. Contestants from 11 countries, including Laos, the Philippines and South Korea, are vying for the first Asian victory. In Europe, Eurovision is known for its extravagant costumes, energetic...
'Waiting so long': Fans gather for Eurovision's first Asia show in Bangkok
Eurovision fans sporting flags and bright outfits gathered Saturday in Bangkok for its first Asia edition, featuring Bangladeshi beatboxing, Vietnamese pop and a love song by a Mongolian economist.
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