The first season of National Selection Shows for Eurovision Song Contest Asia has commenced, with Rhythm of Bhutan kicking off on 11 August ahead of the 2026 contest in Vienna. Reflecting on the European national final season, many remarkable songs from various countries stood out despite not being selected as their nation's Eurovision entry.

Memorable National Final Highlights

  • Montenegro: Montesong returned for its second edition, delivering fan favorites including Temperatura by LANA X ĐORĐE, a dramatic dance track that captivated listeners.
  • Moldova: Cătălina Solomac’s Pink Margarita was a pre-final favorite with significant streaming numbers, though ultimately Satoshi's Viva, Moldova! took the win.
  • Finland: UMK continues to produce innovative acts like Antti Paalanen with Takatukka, blending Southern Ostrobothnian folk and Mongolian throat singing into modern pop.
  • Sweden: Idol winner Cimberly impressed with Eternity, a disco-pop track that reached the final in Melodifestivalen and remains popular on Swedish radio.
  • Malta: MATT BLXCK's Ejja Lejja Ħdejja 'l Hawn (The Flute) combined dance and folk elements with a striking aerial stage performance, finishing second behind the winning song.
  • Italy: Festival di Sanremo’s 76th edition crowned Sal Da Vinci’s Per Sempre Sì, with Ditonellapiaga’s Che Fastidio! securing third place with its electronic charm.
  • Ukraine: Jerry Heil’s CATHARTICUS (prayer) delivered a powerful staging for Vidbir but narrowly missed representing Ukraine at Eurovision 2026.
  • Greece: Evangelia returned to Sing For Greece with PARÉA, showcasing traditional choreography and high-energy performance.
  • Albania: Rigersa Loka’s Albanian Heart opened Festivali i Këngës and gained admiration from Eurovision fans worldwide for its emotional depth.
  • Denmark: Ericka Jane’s Death of Me was a standout dance track at Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, noted for its compelling church organ effects and energetic vibe.

With 24 national finalists selected through competitive shows for Eurovision 2026, including the eventual winner Bulgaria’s Bangaranga by DARA, national finals remain a cornerstone of the Eurovision journey. They provide fans with a rich array of music and performances that extend beyond the contest stage.

Eurovision fans can look forward to more exciting national final seasons worldwide as the contest evolves and expands, starting with Asia’s new chapter and continuing the tradition of musical discovery.