Eurovision Asia set for Bangkok debut with 11 countries
The November 14 competition will combine jury and audience voting, with live broadcasts on television and YouTube.
Singers from 11 countries will compete in Bangkok on November 14 as the Eurovision Song Contest Asia makes its debut. Viewers in participating countries will be able to watch live on television, with coverage also available on YouTube.
National selection contests determined the finalists. The line-up includes Toc Tien from Vietnam, South Korean K-pop singer Junhee and Beatmosphere, Bangladesh’s all-male group blending a cappella vocals with beatboxing.
Malaysia’s Aina Abdul has opted for English to appeal to a broader audience. Other entrants will also sing in English, while some will use their native languages. Philippine singer Carmelle is entering Sobra-Sobra (Too Much), which carries a message of female empowerment.
Commercial broadcasters are organising the competition, a departure from the original Eurovision’s public-broadcasting roots. Jury scores and viewer votes will each account for half the result, and countries cannot vote for their own contestants.
AFP reported weak ticket sales and production problems. Organisers confirmed in October that the event would proceed. Executive producer Assaf Blecher acknowledged financial limitations for the first edition and said preparations had taken three years.
