分类： entertainment

BANGKOK — In a landmark expansion of its global footprint, the iconic Eurovision Song Contest will launch its inaugural Asian edition in Bangkok during 2026. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed the event will feature participants from at least ten Asian nations, including Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, with additional countries anticipated to join before the November finale.

Martin Green, the contest’s director, described the Asian debut as particularly significant as it coincides with Eurovision’s 70th anniversary. “Opening this next chapter with Asia feels especially meaningful,” Green stated in Tuesday’s announcement, highlighting the region’s “rich culture, creativity, and talent.”

The selection of Bangkok as host received strong endorsement from Thai tourism officials. Chuwit Sirivajjakul of the Thailand Tourism Authority praised the capital as an ideal venue, noting its reputation as a cultural crossroads “where music fills the air, and celebration is part of everyday life.”

This expansion comes as the parent competition in Europe continues to navigate political challenges. The 2024 edition in Vienna faces boycotts from Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain over Israel’s participation—a recurring issue for the ostensibly apolitical event. Eurovision has repeatedly found itself entangled in geopolitical conflicts, having expelled Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and implemented stricter regulations against political demonstrations during the Israel-Hamas war.

The Asian edition may face similar diplomatic challenges, particularly given recent tensions between participating nations like Thailand and Cambodia, who engaged in deadly border clashes last year. Despite these concerns, organizers remain committed to showcasing Asian musical talent on a global platform that traditionally attracts over 100 million viewers annually.

In a landmark expansion of its iconic brand, the Eurovision Song Contest is launching its inaugural Asian edition, marking a significant milestone in its 70-year history. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has confirmed that broadcasters from ten nations across the region—including South Korea, Bhutan, Thailand, and the Philippines—have committed to participate, with additional countries expected to join. The grand final is scheduled for November 14 in Bangkok, following national selection rounds in each participating country.

Martin Green, EBU’s Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, emphasized the symbolic timing of this expansion during the competition’s anniversary year, noting Asia’s profound cultural richness and creative talent. The contest will maintain its core rules: all performed songs must be original compositions, with live lead vocals. A hybrid voting system combining professional juries and public televoting will determine the winner.

Since its inception in 1956, Eurovision has evolved into the world’s longest-running international music competition, catapulting artists like ABBA and Celine Dion to global stardom. Last year’s edition attracted approximately 163 million viewers worldwide, featuring diverse musical genres from energetic anthems to heartfelt ballads.

However, the contest has not been immune to geopolitical tensions. Recent editions have witnessed boycotts related to Israel’s participation, while Russia remains excluded since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine—leading Moscow to establish its rival Intervision competition. Previous attempts to create an Asian version since the 2000s had proven unsuccessful until this breakthrough collaboration.

Thailand’s tourism authorities have enthusiastically endorsed Bangkok as host city. Chuwit Sirivajjakul, a senior official at the Thailand Tourism Authority, described the capital as a natural convergence point for cultures where music and celebration are integral to daily life. The event is jointly organized by the EBU, Los Angeles-based Voxovation, and Thailand’s S2O Productions.

An unexpected digital phenomenon has emerged across Chinese social platforms, transforming American reality television matriarch Kris Jenner into a viral symbol for prosperity and good fortune. Over the past 72 hours, hundreds of thousands of users on Weibo, Douyin (China’s TikTok equivalent), and lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu have adopted edited images of Jenner as profile pictures in what participants describe as a humorous method of manifesting career success and financial abundance.

The trend gained significant traction when content creator Marcelo Wang, who specializes in Mandarin language tutorials, highlighted the ‘super random’ cultural movement to his followers. Wang attributed Jenner’s unlikely appeal to her reputation as ‘one of the hardest working businesswomen in the US,’ noting that Chinese netizens particularly respect her entrepreneurial dedication. ‘Cosplaying Kris Jenner is like a Gen Z funny way to manifest success,’ Wang explained in his viral video analysis.

Jenner herself engaged with the phenomenon, responding to Wang’s content with her signature phrase: ‘you’re ALL doing amazing, sweetie!!!!’ This interaction referenced her widely memed quotation from Keeping Up With the Kardashians and further fueled the trend’s popularity.

Business Insider metrics indicate approximately 99,000 Jenner-related posts have accumulated nearly 53 million views on Xiaohongshu alone. The content features creatively altered portraits depicting ‘Lawyer Kris,’ ‘Teacher Kris,’ and various professional iterations of the celebrity mother, all intended to humorously invoke career advancement and monetary gain.

The movement represents the latest in a series of digital manifestation practices popular among Chinese youth, though its crossover to Western social media platforms remains limited thus far. Isolated reports on X (formerly Twitter) suggest some international users have adopted the practice, with one individual claiming examination success after implementing the Jenner profile picture strategy.

Macau transformed into a vibrant tapestry of global cultures on March 29, 2026, as the city hosted its spectacular International Parade. The event saw enthusiastic participation from diverse art groups representing numerous countries and regions, who converged on the streets to present an array of artistic performances.

The parade served as a living embodiment of Macau’s unique cultural identity, where Eastern and Western traditions seamlessly intertwine. Performers adorned in colorful costumes moved through the cityscape, creating an electric atmosphere that captivated both residents and visitors alike. The rhythmic beats of international music, combined with dynamic dance routines and visual spectacles, turned the event into a moving celebration of global unity.

This cultural extravaganza highlighted Macau’s distinctive position as a melting pot where Chinese heritage meets Portuguese influences and broader international elements. The carefully choreographed presentations not only entertained massive crowds but also educated attendees about various cultural traditions from around the world.

Organizers successfully created an inclusive environment where different artistic expressions coexisted harmoniously, reinforcing Macau’s reputation as a city that celebrates diversity. The 2026 edition continued the parade’s tradition of promoting cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of performance art, leaving participants and spectators alike with lasting memories of joy and cultural appreciation.