Eurovision will debut an Asian version of its song competition in Thailand this November, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced Tuesday.
Eurovision Director Martin Green said the Bangkok spinoff, which is the first of its kind in the competition’s 70-year history, will reflect Asia’s “voices, identities and ambitions … while staying true to what has always made the contest special.”
Broadcasters from 10 countries — South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan — have already confirmed their participation in the contest, which is scheduled to hold its grand finale on Nov. 14.