Eurovision is more than 61 years old, and now it's looking to expand out of Europe.

Eurovision is coming to Asia, and the competition organiser is calling for suggestions for countries, performers and songwriters to enter the extravaganza.

News of an Asia-Pacific Eurovision was only confirmed on Monday, but New Zealand broadcasters were understood to have already been investigating their options to join the show.

Broadcaster SBS Australia struck a Eurovision deal in March, sparking discussion about an Asia-Pacific spinoff of the mammoth television event. Australia had appeared as a guest competitor three times during Eurovision's history. This week, show organiser the European Broadcasting Union launched a media campaign and website making Eurovision Asia official.

LEONHARD FOEGER/REUTERS Singer Guy Sebastian representing Australia reacts as he waits for the results during the final of the 60th annual Eurovision Song Contest in 2015.

A TVNZ spokeswoman said the company had been looking into joining the Asia-Pacific competition, but she added it was early days yet. The competition was understood to be a while off, and TVNZ's spokeswoman said no details had been finalised between the station and Eurovision organiser.

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﻿The contest was set to feature 20 countries from the Asia-Pacific region, who would compete in a live annual grand final. So far, SBS managing director Michael Ebeid had hinted that the competition would feature entrants from India, China and South Korea.

GLEB GARANICH More than 40 countries compete in Eurovision.

Eurovision launched 61 years ago, with only seven competing nations. In May, 42 countries competed in the show that attracted more than 180 million viewers.

With the biggest nations in the world due to compete in Eurovision Asia, SBS was hoping to broadcast to an audience five times the size of the original Eurovision series.

The Eurovision winner was picked by popular vote, with voters allowed to vote only for different nationalities. It was indicated that Eurovision Asia would follow the same rules.

Announcing Eurovision Asia, organisers said the number of countries that would take part in the original event could not yet be confirmed.

"We are taking the biggest live televised music show – Eurovision – to the biggest music audience in the world. Countries from the Asia-Pacific region will be able to compete in their own version of the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time," organisers said in a statement.

- Sydney Morning Herald and Stuff