OGAE Serbia :: Vaš evrovizijski svet
The music competition Eurovision could soon welcome a new member not located on the European continent. However, geographical borders have long ceased to be an obstacle to participation.
Kazakhstan is increasingly closer to its Eurovision debut in 2026, and the news arriving from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) headquarters in London gives cause for optimism!
This potential step would not only expand the Eurovision map but also bring a new dimension to the competition, enriching it with the unique culture and musical expression of Central Asia.
Key meetings in London: Confirmation of EBU interest and support?
The Chairman of the Board at Khabar Agency, Kazakhstan’s major media outlet, Kemelbek Oishybayev, recently attended the EBU General Assembly at BBC headquarters in London.
On his Instagram profile, Oishybayev revealed that he discussed Kazakhstan’s potential participation in Eurovision with EBU Director-General Noel Curran.
According to Oishybayev, he presented strong arguments in favor of Kazakhstan’s debut, including its geographical location, previous participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, and strengthening ties with the European Union.
Curran reportedly responded positively to the proposal, noting that the issue will be discussed at the next EBU board meeting. The final decision is expected to be made in the coming months.
A long history of interest and „Junior Eurovision“ as a gateway
Kazakhstan has shown a strong interest in the Eurovision Song Contest for quite some time. Since 2010, Kazakh broadcasters have aired the contest almost annually. The first concrete steps towards participation emerged in 2015 when Khabar Agency gained associate membership of the EBU.
In the same year, a delegation from Kazakhstan was present at the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, as observers.
A pivotal moment in approaching Eurovision was certainly Kazakhstan’s participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, where they were present from 2018 to 2022. Although they withdrew in 2023 and are not currently expected to return in 2025, their results at Junior Eurovision are impressive:
- 2018 – Daneliya Tuleshova – “Òzińe sen” – 6th place – 171 points
- 2019 – Yerzhan Maksim – “Armanyńnan qalma” – 2nd place – 227 points
- 2020 – Karakat Bashanova – “Forever” – 2nd place – 152 points
- 2021 – Alinur Khamzin and Beknur Zhanibekuly – “Ertegı älemı (Fairy World)” – 8th place – 121 points
- 2022 – David Charlin – “Jer-Ana (Mother Earth)” – 15th place – 47 points
These successes were, in all likelihood, a significant factor in the arguments for joining the „big“ Eurovision, demonstrating the country’s capacity to successfully compete on the Eurovision stage.
Kazakhstan’s debut performance at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2018.
The only precedent: Australia as a blueprint
Unlike EBU member countries from the European Broadcasting Area or the Council of Europe, Kazakhstan, as an associate member, requires an official invitation from the Eurovision Reference Group to participate.
In the history of the contest, this has only happened once – when Australian broadcaster SBS was invited to compete in 2015 and has participated regularly ever since. If Kazakhstan receives an invitation, it will become the second country outside Europe’s geographical boundaries to officially compete in Eurovision.
Although Khabar Agency temporarily ceased broadcasting Eurovision at one point (in 2022) due to low viewership and high broadcasting costs, it seems the ambition to participate in the contest is stronger than ever. This development opens the door to expanding Eurovision into new territories and contributes to its status as a global musical spectacle.
Will we have the opportunity to hear Kazakhstan’s contribution on the Eurovision stage in 2026? Judging by the latest information, the chances have never been higher!
