News from the Kazakhstani Ministry of Culture suggests that Kazakhstan could become the next country to debut in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Could a debut in 2026 be possible?
In a statement posted by esc_kaz on Instagram, it was revealed that the Kazakhstani broadcaster Khabar Agency and the EBU are currently exploring the possibility for Kazakhstan to debut in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. According to the post, conversations with the EBU began in June this year, and a final decision will be taken at the beginning of next year. Kazakhstan is currently an associate member of the EBU and will therefore need an invitation from the Reference Group to participate.
The ministry also raises the issue of financing a potential participation. Currently, Khabar Agency lacks the necessary funding for participation to be possible and would need additional support from the state or sponsors should the opportunity to participate materialise.
If Kazakhstan were to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest next year, it would be the second time an associate broadcaster has been invited to take part in the contest, with Australia being the first. Interestingly, Australia was originally invited as a one-time participant for the 60th edition of the contest, while next year’s contest will be the 70th edition.
Kazakhstans Eurovision journey
Kazakhstan has been an associate member of the EBU since 1 January 2016 but cannot become a full member due to not having enough territory within the European Broadcasting Area. However, Kazakhstan has previously participated in another Eurovision event, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Kazakhstan entered the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2018 and participated five times, with their most recent appearance in 2022. Their best results came in 2019, when Yerzhan Maksim placed 2nd, a result that was repeated in 2020 by Karakat Bashanova.
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News Source: esc_kaz
Photo Credit: Uladzislau Petrushkevich
Rory Gannon