Entertainment · K-Culture & Anime · 2 hrs ago
Eurovision Song Contest Asia launches in Bangkok with 11 countries
Singers from 11 countries are competing in the first Eurovision Song Contest Asia in Bangkok.
The live show features acts including South Korea’s K-pop singer Junhee, Bhutan’s Nyendra and Malaysia’s Aina Abdul.
Many contestants had little or no experience with Eurovision before being selected to represent their countries.
The contest takes inspiration from the long-running European competition, known for elaborate performances and large television audiences.
Viewers cannot vote for their own country’s act, so contestants depend on support from audiences elsewhere.
The performers are seeking wider audiences and recognition through a show broadcast in participating countries and online.
The sources do not say who wins or what comes next for the contest.
The first Asian edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Bangkok, with singers from 11 countries competing.
The contest is being run by commercial television stations, unlike the long-running European edition, which is organised by national public broadcasters.
Contestants include South Korean K-pop performer Junhee, Malaysian singer Aina Abdul and Bhutanese singer Nyendra.
Some contestants say the event offers a chance to reach a wider audience and represent their countries.
Viewers cannot vote for the contestant representing their own country.
- Who
- Singers representing 11 countries are competing. Among them are Junhee of South Korea, Aina Abdul of Malaysia and Nyendra of Bhutan.
- What
- The inaugural Asian edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is being held as a televised music competition.
- When
- Saturday, according to the Hindustan Times. The Guardian, published a day earlier, describes the event as taking place next week.
- Where
- Bangkok, Thailand.
- Why
- The contest gives performers a platform to reach audiences and represent their countries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bhutan’s national final was broadcast, with Nyendra’s grandparents watching at home.
Singers from 11 countries are due to compete in the inaugural Asian edition in Bangkok.
- Countries competing
- 11
- Host city
- Bangkok
- Bhutan contestant
- Nyendra, 24
- South Korea contestant
- Junhee
- Malaysia contestant
- Aina Abdul
- Nyendra’s song
- Lhayi Semo, sung in Dzongkha
3 sources
What people are saying
It's very important for me to show up, to show respect to our ancestors on this big stage
We are music enthusiasts, we want to be noticed. And we feel like Eurovision is the best platform for us
I’ve never actually stepped on a plane before.
I'm not a star, but I want to be. I want more fame and a bigger stage