11 November 2026
After delays and aborted attempts that seemed interminable, the first ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia, or ESCA, is upon us. It will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday 14 November 2026. After many years of trying to launch such an event, and with it originally destined to debut in 2019 on the Gold Coast in Australia, nothing materialised of it. Australia’s Eurovision broadcaster, SBS, the intended host broadcaster and organiser, then dumped it in 2021, and followed that up by dumping their Eurovision national final, Australia Decides, the year after, with still a year left on the contract.
The One Bangkok Forum will see eleven countries participating in the first ESCA, none of whom are currently participating in Eurovision. One of the conditions of entry into ESCA was that no countries, even partially or wholly in Asia, are ineligible if they are participating in ESC. This is probably why SBS dumped its plan to organise and participate in ESCA, as that would jeopardise their position in ESC, especially as an ineligible association member that requires a special invitation. While that special invitation is obviously a permanent one now, it wasn’t at the time.
Running Order
01 Vietnam – Tóc Tiên – Em Tiên
02 Cambodia – Monetrey – I Let You Go
03 Laos – Thinla – Bae
04 Mongolia – Beck – Chamguigeer (Without You)
05 Bhutan – Nyendra – Lhayi Semo
06 Philippines – Carbelle – Sobra-Sobra
07 Bangladesh – Beatmosphere – Tumi Ele
08 Thailand – Mang x Daou – Aroma
09 Korea – Junhee – Deep Dive
10 Nepal – Pratik Himal Rai – Ananta Maya
11 Malaysia – Aina Abdul – Bluest Sky
My Top 5
1 Malaysia
2 Philippines
3 Korea
4 Vietnam
5 Thailand
Malaysia makes the biggest impression by far, thanks to its presentation as an official music video, not a national final performance like the rest. Even without that advantage, the song and vocals really do seem a level above the other participants, so if Aina can deliver on the stage in Bangkok, she will likely be the first ever winner of Eurovision Asia. She also performs last, so that’s a further advantage, and a sign the producers regard this entry as a strong one.
From the national finals, the Philippines and Korea really stood out as the most polished entries. While I initially preferred Korea, I now prefer much the Philippines. It’s simply a better song. Korea performing from second last bodes well for a strong result for them, as it does for the Philippines from sixth position and well isolated.
Malaysia, Korea and the Philippines are no doubt the big three to watch.
In fourth and fifth, I have a soft spot for the duos from Vietnam and Thailand. Vietnam is quite a lovely song complete with enchanting local sounds.
Watch for the cute Thinla from Laos to strut her stuff too. She’s so endearing and the song is so catchy!
Finally, there’s something about Nyendra from Bhutan – the Bhutanese Alexander Rybak! A solo guy confidently singing his song, and overall it’s quite charming.
ESCA can be watched live on Youtube at 20:30 local time, which is 13:30 UTC and 00:30 Sunday morning AET.
Read more about the artists here: https://www.eurovision.com/asia/artists-2026/
