The Philippines will join the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, marking the country’s entry into a regional edition of the long-running international music competition.
The country will be represented by ABS-CBN Corporation, joining broadcasters from across Asia in a contest that will feature original music and national talent.
For the Philippines, participation highlights the country’s strong music culture and positions Filipino talent on a wider regional platform.
The inaugural edition is expected to feature at least 10 participating countries, including South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Additional countries and broadcasters are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the lineup expands.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Voxovation, together with Thailand’s S2O Productions and Channel 3, announced on March 31 that Eurovision Song Contest Asia will debut in 2026, bringing together countries across the region.
Bringing the world’s largest live TV event to Asia, Eurovision Song Contest is opening a new chapter shaped by the region’s diversity, creativity and cultural identity, grounded in the same spirit that has defined the contest: United by Music.
For seven decades, the Eurovision Song Contest has brought countries together through music, storytelling and live television, reaching audiences of hundreds of millions every year.
“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent,” Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said.
“This is about evolving the show together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special. Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being United by Music,” he added.
The contest will also introduce new audience participation features through exclusive social partner ZOOP, allowing fans to engage with artists and communities during the competition.
“From day one, our ambition has been to build the Eurovision Song Contest Asia together with the region’s best creative talent, creating a show that truly reflects Asia’s identity and creative energy,” Peter Settman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voxovation, said.
“Together with S2O Productions, we are shaping a show where artists and fans connect across borders in new ways, through participation, community and deeper engagement beyond the stage, with ZOOP helping bring that fan experience to life. To bring this incredible show to a new continent is something very special. I look forward to millions of people in Asia watching the competition and singing in front of the TV, dancing to the performances and predicting the outcome,” he added.
Bangkok has been described as a natural host city due to its blend of tradition and modern expression and is expected to serve as a central hub for the contest’s first edition in Asia.
“When I heard that the European Broadcasting Union and Voxovation were considering Bangkok as the home for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, I thought, of course, it should be Bangkok, because this city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life,” Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning at the Tourism Authority, said.
“It is a place where tradition and innovation do not compete. They collaborate. That is the spirit of Eurovision, which celebrates the unity of diverse musical voices from across Asia and beyond. We believe travel is in the moments that restore you, inspire you, and connect you to something larger than yourself. Eurovision Song Contest Asia embodies exactly that, and we are proud to welcome it home, marking a new chapter for Thailand’s global presence,” he added.
Austrian-Filipino artist JJ, winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2025, has also shared a message encouraging fans to support Eurovision Asia as it launches in the region.
“I heard that Eurovision Song Contest Asia is launching pretty soon. I’m so excited to hear about it and me being a Filipino, I’m very very happy that Eurovision Asia is gonna happen,” he said.
“I can’t wait to see all the contestants and see how the shows will progress. Thank you so much and I hope you have a great show,” JJ added.
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