Eurovision will take its kitsch pageant on the road outside Europe for the first time when Bangkok hosts the song contest's Asian debut in November, the organisers have announced.
Ten countries have already confirmed their participation in the event in Thailand, with more than 600 million viewers expected, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement.
"On the 70th anniversary of the world's largest live music event, the Eurovision Song Contest is now opening a new chapter in Asia shaped by the region's diversity, creativity and cultural identity, and grounded in the same spirit that has always defined the Contest: United by Music," the EBU added.
Besides the hosts, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan have already signed up, "with further countries expected to join".
The Asian edition's grand final is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 14.
"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," said Eurovision director Martin Green.
The announcement comes as the competition's European original faces protests and boycotts over Israel's participation in the 2026 edition, with the country facing accusations of public vote-manipulation in last year's contest and criticism over its conduct of the war in Gaza.
Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia have all announced they will not take part in the event, whose grand final is set for May 16 in Vienna.
Just 35 countries will take part in the 2026 contest, the smallest contingent since the world's largest live televised music broadcast was expanded in 2004. - AFP
