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Eurovision Hits Asia: Bangkok Gears Up for Contest
7 Nov
Summary
- Eurovision is attempting an ambitious expansion into Asia with a Bangkok-hosted event.
- 11 contestants from across the region will compete in the newly created contest.
- Experts question the show's appeal to local audiences due to cultural differences.
Organizers are launching an ambitious attempt to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to Asia, with a grand stage construction underway in Bangkok for an event scheduled for next weekend. This new iteration, titled 'Eurovision Song Contest Asia,' will feature 11 contestants from various Asian countries, including the Philippines and South Korea, who already have dedicated fan clubs.
Despite promotional efforts, including social media campaigns reaching millions, ticket sales for the event at One Bangkok Forum indicate that audience engagement is still growing. The contest aims to mark a new chapter for the music competition in Asia, a goal that has drawn cautious optimism and some skepticism.
Experts like Dean Vuletic, an academic specializing in Eurovision, suggest the show faces significant challenges in appealing to a local audience, given the contest's deep roots in post-war European integration and television's rise. A similar spin-off, the American Song Contest, did not achieve strong viewership in 2022.
The event's naming, 'Eurovision Song Contest Asia' instead of a distinct 'Asiavision,' has caused some confusion, although regional participation has a history within Eurovision, with broadcasters from outside Europe already involved. This year's Asian lineup includes performers from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Viewers globally can watch the live show on YouTube and participate in voting, though this will be complex due to national juries and public votes. Concerns linger about potential political influences on voting, mirroring issues seen in the main Eurovision contest. Bulgaria's Eurovision 2026 winner, Dara, is slated to perform during the interval.
