Eurovision Asia opens in Thailand with eleven nations

Favourites and unique entries

Aina Abdul holds the top spot as the favourite to win the tournament. Her song Bluest Sky will perform last in the running order. Carmelle represents the Philippines with a feminist anthem called Sobra-Sobra that includes rap sections. Thinla from Laos performs Bae, a track where the chorus repeats one word. Cambodia's Monetrey sings I Let You Go but delays his vocals for thirty seconds.

Cultural differences and rules

The event is smaller than the European version with only eleven nations competing. Some countries have restrictive attitudes toward homosexuality which limits LGBTQ+ representation in the show. Nearly half of all entries still use English lyrics despite singing to an international audience. The host nation Thailand has a ballad by Mang x Daou that risks being too mawkish.

Scandals and stage designs

Beck Mongolia faced a scandal because his winning song was previously released before the contest. He now sings Chamguigeer instead, which was originally the runner-up in the national final. Nepal features Pratik Himal Rai wearing mesh masks during his rock number Ananta Maya. The host nation uses a heart-shaped arch for its stage rather than a gauze tent.