Eurovision Song Contest to Launch Asian Edition in 2026 Amidst European Withdrawals
The Eurovision Song Contest is set to launch its first Asian edition in 2026, with the Grand Final scheduled for November 14 in Bangkok, Thailand. This expansion comes as the main European Eurovision Song Contest for 2026 faces significant withdrawals from countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia. These withdrawals follow the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision to allow Israel's continued participation amidst the conflict in Gaza.
Eurovision Song Contest Expands to Asia
The Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to launch its inaugural Asian edition in 2026.
The Grand Final for this regional competition will be hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 14.
Participating Nations
Ten nations are initially confirmed to participate: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand (as the host country), and Vietnam. Organizers have indicated that additional participants are expected to be announced in the coming months, with national finals anticipated to be held in participating countries to select their representatives.
Contest Format and Rules
While specific rules for the Asian competition have not yet been announced, the traditional Eurovision Song Contest format involves each participating country selecting an artist to perform an original song live on stage, typically limited to three minutes. Winners are determined by a combination of professional juries and public votes, with a rule preventing jurors and audiences from voting for their own country.
Background and Previous Attempts
The Eurovision Song Contest, established in 1956, is an annual music competition that historically centered in Europe. In recent years, it has begun including participants from outside the continent. The concept of an Asian edition of Eurovision has been discussed since 2008.
Prior attempts to expand beyond Europe include the 2022 American Song Contest, which was not renewed for a second season, and a 2008 plan for an "Our Sound-The Asia Pacific Song Contest," which ultimately did not materialize.
Statements and Projections
Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), stated that the Asian edition aims to reflect the "voices, identities and ambitions of the region" and evolve the show with Asia, while retaining the Contest's essence of being "United by Music." He noted that this launch coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Chuwit Sirivajjakul of the Thailand Tourism Authority cited Bangkok's history as a cultural convergence point, its vibrant music scene, and its celebratory daily life as reasons for its selection as host city.
Organizers project the Asian event could attract an audience exceeding 600 million people, building on the European edition's attraction of over 150 million global viewers.
Withdrawals from 2026 European Contest Amid Israel's Participation Dispute
Country Withdrawals
Public broadcasters from Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Slovenia have announced their withdrawal from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, which is scheduled for May in Vienna, Austria. This decision follows the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) affirmation of Israel's participation in the event.
EBU Response and Rule Changes
The EBU, which comprises public broadcasters from 56 countries, held a general assembly to address concerns regarding Israel's involvement. During this meeting, EBU members voted to implement stricter contest voting rules. The EBU confirmed it would not exclude any broadcaster from the competition.
EBU officials stated that "Public broadcasters take part, not countries," emphasizing that Israel's public broadcaster, KAN, operates independently of the Israeli government.
Statements Regarding Withdrawals
Broadcasters from the withdrawing nations cited various reasons for their decisions. AVROTROS (the Netherlands) stated that Israel's participation was "no longer compatible with the responsibility we bear as a public broadcaster." RTVE (Spain) indicated that "Israel's use of the contest for political purposes" complicated maintaining it as a "neutral cultural event" and criticized the EBU's handling, suggesting "political and commercial interests" influenced decisions. RTÉ (Ireland) referenced the "appalling loss of lives in Gaza" and the humanitarian situation in the territory. Some withdrawing broadcasters also mentioned the deaths of journalists in the Gaza conflict and Israel's policy regarding international journalists' access.
KAN officials denied any attempts to influence previous contest results and questioned whether EBU members would "harm freedom of creation and freedom of expression."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed satisfaction with Israel's continued involvement, stating his hope that the competition would "champion culture, music, friendship between nations and cross-border cultural understanding." Austria, the host nation, along with Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, supported Israel's participation.
Context of Israel's Participation and Gaza Conflict
The EBU's decision to allow Israel's continued participation has been described by Israel as a "victory." The conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas-led militants, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages. Israel's government has presented its campaign as a response to this attack.
The Gaza Health Ministry, operating under Hamas, reports over 70,000 fatalities in the territory since the conflict began.
Allegations of genocide have been made by some experts, including those associated with a U.N. body, a claim Israel has denied.
Financial and Historical Impact
Spain, as one of the "Big Five" nations (along with the UK, France, Italy, and Germany), is a major financial contributor to the contest and receives automatic qualification to the final. Spain typically contributes between €334,000 and €348,000 annually. Its withdrawal, alongside others, is expected to shift a larger financial burden to the remaining major contributors. Ireland holds a record seven wins in the contest's history.
Analysts have characterized the situation as "one of the most serious crises" the organization has faced, predicting the 2026 edition could be highly politicized.
Despite the withdrawals, approximately 35 nations are still expected to compete in Vienna, with Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania reportedly returning. Iceland is yet to confirm its participation, while Belgium and Sweden have affirmed their intention to compete.