Cambodia and Bhutan Announce National Selections for Inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia

Cambodia and Bhutan have both announced the details of their national finals for the first Eurovision Song Contest Asia, scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on 14 November 2026. The contests are part of a new 10‑country competition that will bring the Eurovision format to the Asia‑Pacific region.

Phoenix Communications, the production company behind Cambodia’s national selection, has issued an open call for professional singers and record labels to enter its program, titled Cambodia’s Finest Voice. The call was posted on the broadcaster’s Facebook page and invites artists to represent Cambodia on the international stage. Applicants may contact Phoenix Communications by phone at 089 230 477 or 085 333 160.

In Bhutan, the state‑run Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) has named the ten performers who will compete in its national final, Druk Dra: Road to Eurovision Asia. The lineup includes Drukbi Tshompapo, Sangay Lhaden, Pema Lhamo, Nyendra, Tashi Choden, Dechen Pem, Karma Drubchu, Dorji Wangchuk, Jigme Drukpa and Baeyul 301. BBS said additional announcements will follow as the national final approaches.

The Eurovision Song Contest Asia is the first edition of a competition modeled after the long‑running European Eurovision format. The event is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Voxovation, produced by S2O Productions, and staged by Thailand’s Channel 3. The final will be held at the IdeaLive venue in Bangkok. The contest will feature 10 participating countries, including the Philippines, which is already confirmed as a member.

The idea of an Asia‑Pacific version of Eurovision began to take shape in 2008, but concrete progress stalled until 2025 when the EBU and Voxovation announced the competition. The inaugural edition will provide a platform for artists from the region to compete for a spot in the global Eurovision Song Contest in 2027.

For Cambodia, the national final is expected to take place in early September 2026. The winner will be chosen by a 50/50 split of audience and jury votes, according to the production company’s brief. The selection process mirrors the format used in the original Eurovision, with a public vote and a professional panel.

Bhutan’s Druk Dra will follow a similar structure, though the exact dates and voting method have not yet been disclosed. The BBS has indicated that further details will be released as the contest draws nearer.

The national selections are significant for the participating broadcasters. They provide an opportunity for local artists to gain international exposure and for the countries to showcase their music industries on a global stage. The contests also signal the expansion of the Eurovision brand into new markets, potentially opening additional revenue streams through broadcasting rights, sponsorships and streaming partnerships.

As the contest approaches, both Cambodia and Bhutan will likely continue to promote their national finals, encouraging public engagement and media coverage. The winners will represent their countries in Bangkok, where they will compete against entries from the other eight participating nations.

The Eurovision Song Contest Asia will therefore be a key event for the Asia‑Pacific music scene, offering a new avenue for artists and broadcasters to connect with audiences beyond their borders.