Eurovision hopes to bring song contest to Asia

The Eurovision Song Contest, which captured the attention of Australia as it aired on SBS, may soon also have a home in Asia.

While final plans have not been confirmed, official Eurovision broadcaster SBS has signed an exclusive option with the European Broadcasting Union alongside production partner Blink TV to look at how the format could work for Asia.

Organisers say they are in the development phase and exploring ways to bring the competition to Asia. They have also asked enthusiasts to share their thoughts on their .

In a statement, SBS said: “SBS and Blink TV are continuing to explore and develop the exciting opportunity to bring a world class event like Eurovision closer to our shores. The Eurovision Asia website is the next phase in that development.

“As discussions continue with potential partners across the Asia region, we are now engaging with both the passionate Eurovision and Asian pop fan communities for their input in shaping this event.”
The contest, which began in 1956 with just seven nations, currently has 52 countries represented.

Each participant originally had to sing in their original language but many now do so in English. Viewers choose their favourite by awarding a set of points from 1-8, with highs of 10 and 12, in televotes from each country.

Eurovision has made history as the 'Longest Running Annual TV Music Competition' in the Guinness Book of Records, and nearly 1,500 songs have been performed to date.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, more countries signed up to take part, with Australia joining in 2015.

Last year, around 204 million people tuned in for some or all of at least one of the three shows.

The next Eurovision will take place next year in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 8, 10 and 12.

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Published 21 August 2017 6:59pm
Updated 21 August 2017 7:51pm
Source: SBS World News


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