BANGKOK – Filipino singer Carmelle made history by winning the first-ever Asian edition of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. Her performance of the upbeat dance-pop track “Sobra-Sobra” captured the hearts of audiences and judges alike.
The 19-year-old artist triumphed over 10 other talented acts in the grand final held in Bangkok. The winner was determined by votes from national juries in participating countries and viewers tuning in from around the globe.
After her victory, Carmelle emphasized that her song was a celebration of female empowerment, expressing her pride in representing Filipino women. “I made history, since this was the first time,” she told The Associated Press. “It’s such a big responsibility for me, because this one is a global stage, so thank you everybody who voted for me.”
Carmelle’s victory wasn’t the only highlight of the night. The Thai duo Mang x Daou secured second place with their romantic pop song “Aroma.” Following closely, Vietnam’s Tóc Tiên brought energy to the stage with her stylish performance of “Em Tiên,” earning her third place. Malaysia’s Aina Abdul and Laos’ Thinla also left a mark, taking fourth and fifth places, respectively.
The competition saw a diverse group of contestants hailing from Bhutan, South Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Cambodia, and Bangladesh. Participants made memorable entrances aboard tuk-tuks, the iconic motorized three-wheeled vehicles popular in Bangkok, waving their national flags while thousands of fans cheered in the venue.
The evening featured a special performance by Bulgarian singer Dara, who showcased “Bangaranga,” the song that brought her victory in the recent Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
While the Eurovision Song Contest in Europe has faced challenges due to political tensions, Eurovision Asia appeared to maintain a more upbeat atmosphere. Dean Vuletic, a Eurovision historian who attended the Bangkok show, noted that although voting patterns might reveal political leanings, the event felt like a celebration of Asia’s rich musical cultures.
In a world where music often transcends borders, Carmelle’s win at the Eurovision Song Contest Asia not only showcases her talent but also uplifts the voices of women in the music industry. As she embarks on this exciting journey, fans around the world are eager to see what the future holds for this rising star.
