Eurovision Song Contest Asia vs Eurovision Song Contest
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia officially launches in 2026 and expands the Eurovision format into a new region. While both competitions share the same core concept – original songs, live performances, national representation, and international voting – important differences already exist.
Here is how Eurovision Song Contest Asia differs from the original Eurovision Song Contest.
The competitions serve different regions
The Eurovision Song Contest is organized through the European Broadcasting Union and primarily involves broadcasters connected to the EBU network.
Participation is not limited strictly to Europe. Countries outside Europe can compete if their broadcasters qualify. Australia is the best-known example and has participated since 2015.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia is a dedicated regional competition designed for Asian broadcasters and audiences. It operates as a separate Eurovision format rather than an extension of the European contest itself.
Eurovision Song Contest has 70 years of history
The Eurovision Song Contest first launched in 1956 and has become one of the world's largest live television events. Learn more about the Eurovision history.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia begins in 2026. Bangkok, Thailand, hosts the inaugural Grand Final on 14 November 2026. The Asia competition enters the market as a completely new event with its own broadcasters and participating countries.
The participating countries are different
The European contest regularly features countries from across Europe and neighboring regions.
The first confirmed Eurovision Song Contest Asia participants include:
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Bangladesh
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Bhutan
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Cambodia
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Laos
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Malaysia
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Nepal
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Philippines
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South Korea
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Thailand
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Vietnam.
Additional countries may still join before the first edition. Unlike Eurovision, the Asia lineup currently focuses heavily on Southeast and East Asian broadcasters.
Countries are expected to choose one format
One of the biggest questions surrounding Eurovision Song Contest Asia is whether countries can participate in both contests. Available information strongly suggests an either-or structure in practice.
Hosting works differently
The Eurovision Song Contest traditionally awards hosting rights to the previous winner. Eurovision Song Contest Asia follows a different structure at launch. Bangkok was selected as host city for the inaugural edition through an organizational process rather than through a previous winner.
Future editions may continue using a separate hosting model.
Core performance rules remain very similar
Despite being different competitions, both contests share many of the same foundations.
Current Eurovision rules include:
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songs may not exceed 3 minutes
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entries must be original
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up to 6 performers may appear on stage
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live performances are required.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia follows the same core Eurovision formula and applies similar stage and song requirements.
Voting structures use the Eurovision model
The original Eurovision Song Contest combines jury votes and public votes.
The famous points system remains:
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1–8 points
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10 points
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12 points.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia follows the same overall Eurovision voting structure with juries and audience participation.
Detailed implementation rules may continue evolving after the first edition.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia has its own identity
Eurovision Song Contest Asia uses the same Eurovision foundation but is designed as a separate regional property. The music styles, broadcasters, audiences, and cultural influences are expected to differ significantly from the European competition.
Rather than replacing Eurovision, the Asia edition creates a parallel competition built specifically for Asian markets.