Australia’s Eurovision pick Go-Jo took to the stage with his iconic hit Milkshake Man, but he’s already been knocked out of the competition.
Sixteen countries performed in the second semi-final on Friday, May 16, but only 10 made it through to the next round.
It’s the second year in a row that Australia has not made it through after a semi-final, with Electric Fields also not qualifying in 2024. Montenegro, Ireland, Georgia, Czechia and Serbia were also knocked out in the second round.
While he has not posted anything about the result, Go-Jo reflected on singing on the global stage.
“Thank you Eurovision! That was UNREAL. crowd was amazing, the energy here is insane…” he wrote on Instagram after his opening performance.
Still want to know more about Go-Jo?
Find out about him and how you can watch the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025 below.
Who is Go-Jo?
While many will know him as Go-Jo, Marty Zambotto is the name behind the viral singer. He gained stardom when he posted a video of himself on TikTok busking and performing his song Mrs Hollywood in Sydney.
In 2023, he was the ninth most-streamed Australian artist in the world and has also toured around Europe, Southeast Asia, and the USA.
Based in Sydney, the 29-year-old grew up in the town of Manjimup, Western Australia. Living on an off-grid and self-sustained property built from recycled materials, which also did not have running water or reception, he told Guardian Australia that it made him more creative.
What did Go-Jo sing at Eurovision?
For Eurovision, he performed his song Milkshake Man, which was written in collaboration with the Aussie pop trio Sheppard.
“I love music and singing – to be representing a country for doing what I love? There’s no better feeling,” he said to Guardian Australia.
Speaking to SBS before his performance, he said the song was about embracing confidence, and “Milkshake Man” was a mindset.
In a cheeky video next to a kangaroo, on Instagram, he said he was ready to compete for Australia. “I am so honoured to be a part EUROVISION 2025!!! Can’t wait to meet everyone and perform for you all!! LOVE from me & skippy the kangaroo ?!!!??” he added in a comment under the post before competing.
Where is Eurovision 2025 going to be?
This year, Switzerland is hosting Eurovision in the historic town of Basel, in the St. Jakobshalle arena.
This is the third time singers are competing in Switzerland, following Lausanne in 1989 after Céline Dion’s victory in the previous year, and Lys Assia’s victory in the inaugural Eurovision contest in 1956.
Perhaps three times will be the charm, and they’ll win again!
What is the theme of Eurovision 2025?
This year’s theme is “Unity Shapes Love.”
How can I watch Eurovision 2025?
An exclusive broadcast of the song competition will be on SBS and SBS on Demand until May 18 in Australia.
You can get all the latest updates from Aussie hosts Courtney Act and Tony Armstrong. You can read their exclusive chat with New Idea here.
How long has Australia competed in Eurovision?
This year marks 10 years since Australia has competed in Eurovision.
While Jessica Mauboy featured in the entertainment as a guest appearance in 2014, Guy Sebastian was the first entry in 2015.
That year, he performed Tonight Again and came fifth, with 196 points.
Who else has represented Australia in Eurovision?
Go-Jo is joining nine other artists who have represented Australia in Eurovision:
- Guy Sebastian: Tonight Again (2015)
- Dami Im: Sound of Silence (2016)
- Isaiah Firebrace: Don’t Come Easy (2017)
- Jessica Mauboy: We Got Love (2018)
- Kate Miller-Heidke: Zero Gravity (2019)
- Montaigne: Technicolour (2021)
- Sheldon Riley: Not the Same (2022)
- Voyager: Promise (2023)
- Electric Fields: One Mikali (One Blood) (2024)
