Philippines wins first Eurovision Song Contest Asia

The Philippines have won the very first Eurovision Song Contest Asia, hosted in Bangkok and with 11 countries vying for the title. Nineteen-year-old singer Carmelle was always a front runner with her women's empowerment anthem Sobra-Sobra, complete with its catchy rap section. She earned 211 points in total - 93 from the jury and 118 from the public vote - ahead of Thailand's MANG x DAOU in second place with 170 points.

There was a joyous atmosphere at the One Bangkok Arena as the crowd cheered the contestants and celebrated the popular winner. Carmelle, the youngest contestant in the competition, was an obvious favourite with the juries and the public despite strong showings from several nations. Bangladeshi beatboxers Beatmosphere eschewed the traditional backing track, instead using their voices to replicate the sounds of drums and basslines.

However, the Laotian song had a unintentional second outing after the music video was played over an apparent technical issue during the broadcast - meaning it was the last song the audience heard before the vote.