Filipino Vocalist Carmelle Wins Inaugural Asian Eurovision in Bangkok

BANGKOK — Filipino vocalist Carmelle secured victory at the inaugural Asian edition of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, delivering a dynamic performance of her dance‑pop track “Sobra‑Sobra.”

The 19‑year‑old emerged triumphant over ten competitors in Bangkok’s grand final, with the result determined by votes from national juries and global audiences.

Following her win, Carmelle explained that the song embodies female empowerment and serves as a tribute to Filipino women everywhere.

“I have made history, as this marks the first occasion,” she told The Associated Press. “The responsibility is immense, given the global platform, and I thank everyone who voted for me.”

Thai duo Mang x Daou secured second place with an energetic rendition of the romantic pop song “Aroma,” while Vietnam’s Tóc Tiên took third with a lively, stylish performance of “Em Tiên.”

Malaysia’s Aina Abdul placed fourth with her powerful ballad “Bluest Sky,” and Laos’s Thinla finished fifth with “Bae,” an upbeat dance track that energized the audience each time it was replayed.

Bhutan, South Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Cambodia and Bangladesh also took part in the competition.

Contestants arrived on tuk‑tuks, the iconic three‑wheeled vehicles of Bangkok’s tourist districts, and waved their national flags as thousands of fans cheered in the city‑center venue.

Bulgarian singer Dara appeared as a special guest, performing “Bangaranga,” the track that earned her the 70th Eurovision Song Contest title in Vienna earlier this year.

Although the European contest aims to prioritize music over politics, it has often been drawn into international tensions; Russia was expelled in 2022 after its full‑scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Israel‑Hamas conflict in Gaza has also stirred the competition, sparking protests outside venues and prompting organizers to limit political flag‑waving.

Five long‑standing participants — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — boycotted this year’s European competition in protest of Israel’s participation.

Eurovision Asia seemed less politically charged, according to historian Dean Vuletic, who attended the event in Bangkok.

He noted that analysis of voting patterns could reveal political leanings among the participating nations.

“But for now, I can say the venue had a wonderful atmosphere and offered a fantastic glimpse into Asia’s musical cultures.”

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