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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Philip Oltermann European culture editor

‘A place where music fills the air’: Bangkok to host Eurovision’s first Asia song contest

Eurovision Asia EBU Israel Bangkok
Eurovision's 2025 winner, Austria’s JJ, stands on stage with a trophy in front of a crowd
The 2025 winner, Austria’s JJ, on stage with a trophy in Basel, Switzerland. Photograph: Martin Meissner/AP

Eurovision is seeking to expand into the Asian market by hosting a version of its song contest in Bangkok this year, just as the original annual event is being buffeted by discord and boycotts on the eve of its 70th anniversary edition.

The grand final of the inaugural Eurovision song contest Asia will take place in Thailand’s capital on Saturday 14 November, the Switzerland-based organisation announced on Tuesday. Broadcasters from 10 countries have confirmed their participation.

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