Aina Abdul joins first Eurovision Asia contest in Bangkok
The Malaysian singer is among contestants from 11 nations, but viewers cannot vote for their own country's entry.
Malaysian singer Aina Abdul is taking part in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, which brings performers from 11 nations to Bangkok. The competition will be televised live across participating countries and other markets, and streamed on YouTube.
Speaking to AFP, Aina described the event as a chance for Asian artists to attract attention and said its arrival in the region was overdue. She counts former Eurovision winner Celine Dion among her inspirations. Her blue-and-white stage dress took 600 hours of work to produce.
Although Aina has an established following in Malaysia, viewers there will not be allowed to vote for her: the contest bars audiences from supporting their own country's contestant. Commercial television stations are organising the Asian competition, with many selecting performers who already had a fan base.
Vietnamese singer Toc Tien will open the show with a pop-dance number. The Philippines' Carmelle, 19, is entering with “Sobra-Sobra”, a song centred on women's empowerment, while Thai pop performers Mang x Daou will sing a love duet.
