A first victory for the Philippines. This Saturday, November 14, the country became the first on the Asian continent to win the new regional edition of Eurovision.
Viewers, juries from the 11 participating nations and the online public voted 19-year-old pop star Carmelle queen of the first-ever “Eurovision Song Contest Asia,” for her rousing anthem to female emancipation.
Her title Sobra-Sobra (Too much, in French) deals with the power of women, because “that's how Filipino women are: strong, determined, independent,” defended the singer.
Hosts Thailand finished close behind in second place, followed by Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos, while Nepal, Cambodia and Bangladesh languished at the bottom of the points standings.
Eleven countries competing
Eleven countries had joined the competition, which organizers hope will usher in a new chapter for Eurovision, a cultural phenomenon in Europe known for its extravagant outfits, vocal outbursts and sometimes delicate geopolitical issues.
“I'm really impressed with what they did, the atmosphere and the music,” said Alex Cobham, 33, a British Eurovision fan who lives in Thailand and couldn't believe his chance to see the contest held in Bangkok.
“It clearly embodies the spirit of the competition: crazy, fun, sublime, with good songs,” he argued.
Among the candidates were a Mongolian government advisor, Malaysian and Vietnamese stars, and even a young Bhutanese artist.
“It’s very important for me to be there, to pay homage to our ancestors on this big stage,” Mongolian singer Beck told AFP, in his traditional orange and gold clothing. When he is not singing, this trained economist advises the Deputy Prime Minister of his country on banking issues.
Many participants had never heard of the world's biggest live music event, the European edition of which attracted 131 million spectators this year. But they clearly see the potential of this platform, with a show broadcast in several countries, on television and online.
National celebrities for this first edition
Malaysian Aina Abdul immediately cited Céline Dion, winner of the competition in 1988 who became an international star, among her inspirations.
“It was about time” for the program to arrive in Asia, she greets AFP, adorned in a long pale blue dress. Aina Abdul is already a star in her country, known for her powerful voice and extravagant outfits.
Like her, the Vietnamese singer Toc Tien already has a well-established career. Among the headliners of the show, she opened the ball on Saturday with a pop song with meticulous choreography, wearing a glamorous version of a traditional hat.
Unlike the European edition organized by public broadcasters, the Asian competition is managed by private television channels, which have often chosen artists who already have a comfortable base.
Unlike his already established competitors, the Bhutanese Nyendra, 24 years old, had never left his country before his participation. “No one knows me,” he said.
Eurovision celebrates its 70th anniversary
Eurovision, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, goes beyond musical questions. In addition to being a forum for LGBT+ rights, the endless points-counting competition reflects the geopolitical tensions between participants.
Several countries have boycotted the competition in recent years, denouncing Israel's participation due to its military operation in Gaza triggered by the deadly attacks of October 7.
The unprecedented attack carried out by the Islamist movement Hamas on October 7, 2023 on Israeli soil resulted in the death of 1,221 people, according to an AFP count.
The offensive launched in retaliation by Israel in Gaza left more than 74,400 dead, according to the Ministry of Health controlled by Hamas and whose figures are considered reliable by the UN.
But the Asian edition seems to want to avoid political questions.
Thai pop duo Mang x Daou have carefully ignored questions about relations with Cambodia, following border clashes between the two neighbors last year.
Mongolian singer Beck is optimistic: “One day, sooner or later, it will perhaps be like a + Eurovision World +, united, all the continents gathered on the same stage”.
