Trending Now - Eurovision to Make Its Grand Debut in Asia With New Edition

WHO:

CNN - Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

BBC News - Broadcasters from 10 countries, including South Korea and the Philippines.

WHAT:

NBC News - The Eurovision Song Contest Asia will feature a combination of professional juries and public votes, with the stipulation that jurors and audiences cannot vote for their own country.

CNN - More participants for the inaugural competition will be announced in the coming months.

CNN - The Eurovision Song Contest started in 1956 and has evolved to include participants from outside Europe in recent years.

CNN - Several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, are boycotting the European edition in May 2026 due to Israel's participation amid the war in Gaza.

Deadline - The Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be produced in collaboration with Voxovation and S2O Productions, alongside Thailand's Channel 3.

CNN - The Eurovision Song Contest is launching its first-ever Asian edition in 2026.

CNN - The Grand Final for the Asian edition is set to be hosted on November 14, 2026.

CNN - Ten nations, including South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Laos, will compete in the inaugural competition.

CNN - The European edition of Eurovision draws more than 150 million viewers globally.

CNN - Last year, Austrian singer JJ won the contest with his song “Wasted Love.”

WHERE:

CNN - The Grand Final will take place in Bangkok, Thailand.

CNN - The primary event for the European edition will be held in Vienna, Austria in May 2026.

WHEN:

CNN - The Asian edition's Grand Final is scheduled for November 14, 2026.

CNN - The European edition's primary event will occur in May 2026.

CNN - Russia has been banned from the competition since it invaded Ukraine in 2022.

CNN - Israel’s Yuval Raphael came second in the last contest with her performance on October 7, 2025.

WHY:

CNN - Martin Green stated, "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."

CNN - The introduction of new rules by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) this year aims to improve neutrality and limit government influence on voting.

CNN - The Asian edition aims to reflect the “voices, identities and ambitions of the region,” according to Martin Green.

CNN - The introduction of new rules by the EBU is intended to improve neutrality and limit government influence on voting.

HOW:

CNN - The contest will feature a combination of professional juries and public votes, with the stipulation that jurors and audiences cannot vote for their own country.

CNN - Artists from participating countries will perform original songs, no longer than three minutes, live on stage.

CNN - Winners are decided by a combination of professional juries and public votes, with a rule that jurors and audiences cannot vote for their own country.

(UPDATED March 31, 2026 15:20 UTC)

The Eurovision Song Contest Asia is set to feature a blend of professional juries and public votes, with a rule that prevents jurors and audiences from voting for their own country. Martin Green highlighted the significance of this expansion, noting that it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the original contest and opens a new chapter in a region abundant with culture, creativity, and talent. This exciting development marks a major milestone for the beloved music competition.

(UPDATED March 31, 2026 13:22 UTC)

Several countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, are boycotting the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in May 20th26 due to Israel's participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The contest, which began in 1956, has evolved to include participants from outside Europe in recent years, and more competitors for this inaugural competition will be announced in the coming months. This year's introduction of new rules by the European Broadcasting Union aims to improve neutrality and limit government influence on voting.

(UPDATED March 31, 2026 11:16 UTC)

The Eurovision Song Contest Asia is set to be produced in collaboration with Voxovation, S2O Productions, and Thailand's Channel 3. Martin Green emphasized the significance of this new chapter, celebrating the contest's 70th anniversary and highlighting Asia's rich cultural and creative landscape. The competition will incorporate both professional juries and public votes, with a rule in place that prevents jurors and audiences from voting for their own countries.

(UPDATED March 31, 2026 09:18 UTC)

The Eurovision Song Contest is making history by launching its first-ever Asian edition, set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, with the Grand Final scheduled for November 14th. Ten countries, including South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Laos, will compete in this inaugural event, which aims to showcase the diverse voices and identities of the region. According to Martin Green, the Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, new rules have been introduced to enhance neutrality and limit government influence on voting, ensuring that artists perform original songs live, with winners determined by a mix of professional juries and public votes.