It was announced some one year ago that the Eurovision Song Contest would see a spin-off being held in our neighbour continent. Finally, the news have been confirmed and the first ever Asiavision Song Contest has been announced to be held in mid-2009. Fifteen countries are expected to take part, including the two regional giants China and India.

The Asian version of the Eurovision Song Contest has come true thanks to a company called Asiavision Pte. Ltd., which have purchased the Eurovision format to produce it for our neighbour continent.

Asiavision has been planned to be a six-month musical event consisting of national and regional tournaments and a grand final. The contest will be delivered to a total of 16 countries/regions: China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. These areas comprise over 3 billion people (half of Earth's population) and a potential audience of over 500 million viewers.

Bettina Brinkmann, Head of Formats and Special Events at Eurovision TV proudly remarks the international expansion of the Eurovision format: "Having brought the European version of the Eurovision Song Contest to the Middle East and North Africa, we are now delighted that viewers across Asia will enjoy one of the best established entertainment shows in the world", and concludes stating that "The format has proven it can travel worldwide. We are looking forward to other versions of it developing internationally".

The purchasing company also have commented on their decision of inaugurating a new era in the history of Asian television. Andreas Gerlach, CEO of Asiavision Pte. Ltd. has emphasised the competitiveness of the Asian nations: "Asia today is all about competition, economically and politically. The Song Contest is a friendly competition between cultures. Like in Europe, the universal language of music will help to bring people closer together and nurture mutual understanding in the region".

Several national broadcasters have already shown their interest to host the first annual Asiavision Song Contest. Stay with us for further developments!

You can visit Asiavision Song Contest official website here .