Overnight in Basel, Switzerland, global viral pop sensation Go-Jo sadly did not progress through to the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest. Although our Milkshake Man did not qualify, his performance was the cream of the crop and had audiences and viewers alike frothing for his delicious eccentric song.
The solo project of Marty Zambotto, Go-Jo stirred up the song contest with his retro flair, high-octane showmanship, and that je ne sais quoi that follows wherever he goes. He captivated hearts from the moment he shared his unique talents with the world. His magnetic energy, endless creativity, and touch of the unexpected make him magic in motion.
Opening the second Semi Final, Go-Jo turned St. Jakobshalle arena into a dazzling explosion of colour and charisma. The staging for his glossy, larger-than-life track took cues from the Willy Wonka-meets-Rocky Horror aesthetic of the official Milkshake Man music video (directed by Josh Harris), Working with staging directors and producers Marvin Dietmann (Voyager, 2023), and Dan Shipton and Ross Nicholson of Black Skull Creative, Go-Jo was joined on stage by Jenaya Okpalanze (Surely Shirley), Jeannine Bruderer, and a giant 4-metre blender!
Go-Jo performing 'Milkshake Man' for Australia at the Second Semi-Final in St. Jakobshalle Credit: Alma Bengtsson/Alma Bengtsson/EBU
Released by Chugg Music and Rix Records, Milkshake Man was written by Go-Jo alongside members of Australian pop band, Sheppard, George Sheppard, Amy Sheppard, and Jason Bovino. The track hit over 4 million streams in the first eight weeks of release, 1.4 million views on YouTube, and charted in 20 countries on Spotify Viral Charts. On the road to Basel, Switzerland, Go-Jo performed in Amsterdam, London, and Madrid on the Eurovision pre-party circuit, meeting participants and fans over five weeks across 13 countries and covering 26,000km to fully immerse himself in the experience.
Much like his performance captured the transformation of the Milkshake Man into the loudest, proudest version of himself, the Eurovision experience has had the same power for Go-Jo. It’s an experience that’s helped him elevate his art and step into his own.
Entering the song contest a pop star and leaving a superstar, Australia couldn’t be prouder of the Milkshake Man and the joy he’s spread across the globe. Now, he enters the next phase of his career with the world eagerly waiting at his L and R bowling shoes.
Go-Jo will embark on Australian and European tour dates after his whirlwind Eurovision experience. Stay tuned to his socials for full details.
Jenaya Okpalanze dancing to Milkshake Man at the Second Semi-Final in St. Jakobshalle. Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett/Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Go-Jo said: “This experience has been truly amazing, and I feel so lucky to have shared this incredible opportunity with so many talented artists. I’ve never felt more comfortable to share my art than on the Eurovision stage and with all the wonderful Eurovision fans around the world. I’ve made memories I’ll cherish forever, and I want to say a huge thank you to Australia for all the incredible support – I hope I made you proud.”
Australian Head of Delegation and SBS Head of Entertainment Emily Griggs said: “While we didn’t make it to the Grand Final, Go-Jo’s performance has been a standout in Australia’s Eurovision journey. Over the past decade, we’ve brought bold, creative acts, and Go-Jo perfectly embodies that spirit. With his infectious energy and the unforgettable Big Blender, he captured everything Eurovision stands for, transformation, connection, and creativity. We’re proud of his performance and the team behind him. Let’s go, Go-Jo!”
Only 10 artists from the 16 countries performing in Semi Final 2 proceed to the Grand Final.
The 10 countries voted through are: Lithuania, Israel, Armenia, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Latvia, Malta, and Greece.
Don’t miss SBS’s exclusive prime time ‘Access All Areas’ event coverage from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 May at 7:30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand. From the first pyrotechnic explosion to the penultimate key change, TV’s hottest new couple Tony Armstrong and Courtney Act decode every unforgettable moment from St. Jakobshalle arena and bring you behind-the-scenes insights.
Buckle up for razor-sharp banter, uncontrollable laughs, undeniable chemistry, and the showstopping performances that make the Eurovision Song Contest a glittering spectacle you don’t want to miss!
Make sure you join in the conversation during the prime time ‘Access All Areas’ event coverage using the hashtag #SBSEurovision, with tweets and party pictures promoted on screen, where you can catch all the performances, interviews, and more.
The Grand Final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is held on Saturday 17 May CEST and is broadcast in Australia on Sunday 18 May LIVE at 5:00am and in prime time at 7:30pm AEST.
All the below broadcasts feature Australia:
LIVE early morning broadcast on SBS and SBS On Demand
Grand Final – Sunday 18 May at 5:00am AEST
Prime time ‘Access All Areas’ event coverage on SBS and SBS On Demand
Semi Final 1 – Friday 16 May at 7:30pm AEST
Semi Final 2 – Saturday 17 May at 7:30pm AEST
Grand Final – Sunday 18 May at 7:30pm AEST
This year marks 10 years of Australia competing in the event, officially beginning in 2015 with Guy Sebastian and his song 'Tonight Again', and last year Electric Fields with their song 'One Milkali (One Blood)'. Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s biggest live music event and in 2024 it attracted 163 million viewers worldwide.
SBS On Demand's Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Hub is the place to find artist music videos for all entrants, live streams, replays, behind-the-scenes extras, music videos and documentaries, and much more.
