The first-ever "Eurovision Asia" contest, launched by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will take place on Saturday, November 14, in Bangkok, Thailand. Ten countries from across the continent will compete, including host Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Laos.
But Akiva Novick, the voice Israeli viewers have come to expect on Eurovision broadcasts, will be absent from the screen this time. Because the event airs at 3:30 p.m. Israel time, in the middle of Shabbos, Novick will not commentate. Elad Bar-Noy of Kan Tarbut will take his place alongside Asaf Liberman.
Following the familiar European format, each country will be represented by a song of up to three minutes. The winner will be chosen by a combination of 50% professional jury vote and 50% public vote. Viewers in Israel will be able to participate as part of the "Rest of the World" vote.
