Philippines set to compete in inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026

The Philippines is set to compete at the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, in November. 

In a news release, the European Broadcasting Union, in partnership with Voxovation and Thailand’s S2O Productions and Channel 3, confirmed the expansion of the globally renowned “Eurovision Song Contest” into Asia. 

The Philippines will be among the 10 countries competing in the debut edition, alongside South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Thailand is the host city of the debut edition. 

More Asian countries are expected to join as the competition expands.

According to Martin Green, director of the "Eurovision Song Contest," the launch comes at a significant time as the global franchise celebrates its 70th anniversary. 

“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,” Green said.

Peter Settman, CEO & and co-founder of Voxovation, the exclusive licensee of Eurovision Song Contest Asia, also shared that it has been their goal from the get-go to make a show that "truly reflects Asia's identity and creative energy." 

" 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," said Settman. 

The Grand Finals of the “Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026” will be held in Bangkok on November 14. 

The “Eurovision Song Contest” is the longest-running and one of the biggest live international music competitions in the world.

Organized by the European Broadcasting Union since 1956, it showcases original songs performed by artists representing mainly European countries. Winners of the competition are determined through a combination of public votes and professional jury scoring.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News