Eleven Countries Just Signed On for Eurovision’s First Asian Chapter
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia has its full lineup. Eleven countries are confirmed for the debut edition, set for November 14, 2026, at the IdeaLive venue in Bangkok, Thailand: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Who’s Already In
Four countries have locked in their acts. Bhutan chose Nyendra with “Lhayi Semo” through Rhythm of Bhutan on August 11. Malaysia selected Aina Abdul via AJL: Anugerah Juara Lagu on August 15. The Philippines picked Carmelle Collado’s “Sobra-Sobra,” written by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides, through Philippine Selection Night (branded Pili, Pinas!) on August 30, an ABS-CBN production. Her performance from that night has already crossed one million views on the Eurovision Song Contest’s YouTube channel. South Korea’s pick came most recently, with Junhee winning Korea’s Next Wave on September 4 with “Deep Dive,” a track performed entirely in English.
Who’s Still Deciding
Bhutan, Malaysia, South Korea, and the Philippines have already named their acts and songs. Laos holds its national final, Sieng Lao: The One, on September 23 and 24. Mongolia selects its representative on October 14 through Mongolia’s Chosen One. Cambodia is set to close out the field with Cambodia’s Finest Voice, though no date has been announced. Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Vietnam have not yet detailed their selection plans in available coverage.
The Notable Absences
Some of Asia’s biggest music markets sat this one out. China, Japan, India, Singapore, and Indonesia are not part of the inaugural lineup. Japan is currently hosting the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya. China last broadcast the main Eurovision Song Contest between 2015 and 2018, but is not participating here.
The European Broadcasting Union is organizing the contest with Voxovation and S2O Productions. Thailand’s Channel 3 is the host broadcaster.
Eleven countries is a small number for a region this size, and five of Asia’s biggest music industries chose not to be part of it. Whether that changes by next year probably comes down to how well Bangkok pulls this first one off.
