Eurovision is finally coming to Asia - meet the stars gearing up to take the stage

Eurovision, the pan-European competition famed for zany gimmicks, slick, sometimes over-the-top staging, the drama of its complex voting system and, occasionally, for outstanding music, celebrates its 70th birthday this year. Transferring one of the most successful television formulas that has worked in Europe for 70 years to Asia has not been straightforward, says Sarun 'Note' Kungbunpot, a Eurovision enthusiast and Thai singer who has won several competitions in this region. "It's still very new in Asia.

I'm not sure many people have heard about it yet," he says, adding that he thinks it will take a bit of time for audiences to adjust. "It's all about popularity – fans are looking for their idols. But Eurovision is all about the song, not the singer.

I think this needs to be communicated clearly." Then there is the long history of Eurovision in Europe. It began in 1956 as a project to encourage greater cultural exchanges in a Europe which was trying to forge a common future after two world wars.