Eurovision holds first Asian contest in Bangkok with 11 countries
The line-up includes Malaysia’s Aina Abdul, Vietnam’s Toc Tien and Philippine singer Carmelle, with jury and viewer votes carrying equal weight.
Fans gathered in Bangkok on November 14 for Eurovision’s inaugural Asian competition, with acts representing 11 countries competing for the title. The programme ranges from beatboxing from Bangladesh to Vietnamese pop and a Mongolian love song.
Malaysia’s Aina Abdul is performing “Bluest Sky”, while Philippine contestant Carmelle will present a song about female empowerment. Mongolia’s Beck also works as an economist advising the deputy prime minister. Nepal’s Pratik Himal Rai is staging a rock performance accompanied by masked dancers.
Among those queuing was Fauzan, a 37-year-old Malaysian fan dressed in blue and white to match Aina’s performance colours. He welcomed the contest’s arrival in Asia and said its support for LGBTQ rights was part of its appeal.
Each participating country’s vote is split equally between a jury and viewers, with voting for its own entry prohibited. India, Japan and China are not competing, and tickets remained available only hours before the Bangkok show.
Martin Green, director of organiser the European Broadcasting Union, said establishing the brand could take two, three or five years. Commercial television channels in competing countries and YouTube will carry the show, starting at 1.30pm GMT, with the outcome expected around 4pm GMT.
