The first Asian Eurovision Song Contest has been confirmed, and the bright lights and steamy surroundings of Thailand’s capital Bangkok will host.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and live-events producer Voxovation have teamed with S2O Productions and Thailand’s Channel 3 on the long-anticipated Eurovision Song Contest Asia, which will have its grand final on Saturday, November 14.
Broadcasters from ten countries (see list below) are confirmed to take part, featuring artists and songs from South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. More countries are expected to join.
International versions of the Eurovision Song Contest has become a priority for the EBU over recent years, with the organization’s director Martin Green last year outlining the ambitions in an interview with Deadline’s Stewart Clarke. This is despite the European version becoming a lightning rod for political tensions, with several countries planning to boycott the 70th edition in May over Israel’s inclusion.
Today, Green said: “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.
“This is about evolving Eurovision together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special. Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being United by Music.”
Peter Settman, CEO and co-founder of Voxovation, added: “From day one, our ambition has been to build the Eurovision Song Contest Asia together with the region’s best creative talent, creating a show that truly reflects Asia’s identity and creative energy.
The selection is a boon for Bangkok, which is housing shoots for the likes of Oliver Stone’s upcoming pic White Lies and the Sylvester Stallone-produced John Rambo. It was also the shooting location for FX’s Alien: Earth.
“When I heard that the European Broadcasting Union and Voxovation were considering Bangkok as the home for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, I thought, of course, it should be Bangkok, because this city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life,” said Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, at the Thailand Tourism Authority.
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia’s exclusive social partner is Zoop, which will introduce a fan participation platform that gives consumers the chance to engage with artists, join communities and be recognised and rewarded for their efforts.
The confirmed participating broadcasters are Thailand’s Channel 3, South Korea — Produced by PK Inc, Malaysia’s Media Prima (TV3), Philippines’ ABS-CBN, Vietnam’s Vietnam Television (VTV3), Cambodia’s TV5, Laos’s Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9), Bangladesh’s NTV, Bhutan’s Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) and Nepal’s Himalaya TV.
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