Eurovision Song Contest Launching Asian Edition in 2026

“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,” said contest director Martin Green in a statement on Tuesday (March 31). The Asian version will take flight after the original contest takes place in Vienna in May, with 35 countries competing in the singing contest known for outrageous costumes, towering ballads and high-energy performances.

The participating Asian countries will host their national selection rounds soon, with the winners going to the grand final in Bangkok. This is the latest expansion of the contest that last year drew more than 160 million viewers from around the world. Back in 2022, organizers put on the American Song Contest , which featured singers from all 50 states and hosts Kelly Clarkson and Snoop Dogg.

Unlike the wildly popular European version, though, tune in was soft and the show did not get a second-season pickup. The global contest, which always attempts to set aside politics and global conflict to focus on music, promises...