The inaugural Eurovision Asia Song Contest took place in Bangkok on Saturday, attracting fans from around the world, including many who have a long-standing connection to the Eurovision brand. Simon Robinson, who traveled from Melbourne, Australia, recalled his first experience with the contest at age eight in Yorkshire, England, when Mary Hopkin finished second for Britain in 1970. “Eurovision helped to create the European identity,” he remarked, emphasizing its role in uniting people.
Attendees included Europeans living in Asia seeking nostalgia and Americans keen to experience the event for the first time. Lee Hudson, a television executive from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, expressed his emotional ties to Eurovision, which he has followed since 2012. He stated, “The only reason I know any music from European countries is because I heard them on Eurovision.” Hudson praised the concept of Eurovision Asia, noting the distinct musical cultures present.
Drew Andrea, who hails from Sydney, shared his journey as a Eurovision fan. After watching his first show in 2012, he has attended every final since and described the Bangkok event as more affordable. “Asia understands the brief — the kitschy costumes, the dance music,” he said, highlighting standout performances from Carmelle of the Philippines and Toc Tien of Vietnam.
Professor Luca Cian from the University of Virginia noted Eurovision’s ability to cultivate a global fan base through shared cultural experiences, with many families hosting watch parties and partaking in conversations about the event. Carmen Chung, a British accountant, capitalized on a family vacation in Bangkok to attend with her brother Garry. Reflecting on their Eurovision upbringing in Yorkshire, she commented on how European artists often replicate winning styles and noted the unique creativity exhibited this year.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, reported that approximately half of the tickets for the final were purchased by dedicated fans from outside Asia. The inaugural event featured 11 participating countries and was held at a venue accommodating 5,000 attendees, which Green described as modest. Andrea expressed satisfaction with the scale of the show, stating, “I’m O.K. with humble beginnings as long as it keeps growing every year.” With the success of the first Eurovision Asia, supporters are looking forward to future iterations of the contest.
