Go-Jo a no-no as Aussie fails to reach Eurovision 2025 finals

Australia’s 2025 Eurovision hopes have been dashed after our entrant failed to make the grand finals for the second consecutive year.

Pop singer Go-Jo, real name Marty Zambotto, was the opening act of semifinal two and gave a rousing and vibrant performance of his song, Milkshake Man, in a sparkling jumpsuit that evoked Freddie Mercury.

Despite his energetic, big-hearted and theatrical attempt, Go-Jo didn’t finish in the top 10 of his round, along with Georgia, Czechia, Ireland, Montenegro and Serbia.

Perhaps Go-Jo’s choice of song worked against him. One of the hot favourites to win this year is Estonian rapper Tommy Cash, whose entry is called Espresso Macchiato. Possibly there was no room for two beverage-themed ditties.

Go-Jo’s result reflects Australia’s increasingly diminished standing in the Eurovision contest since entering the competition in 2015.

The obvious geographical distance outside of the European Broadcasting Union made Australian an unusual contestant, but we have had a longstanding and enthusiastic relationship with Eurovision since SBS started airing it in 1983.

It has always had a following in Australia, initially with European diasporic communities and then became more popular with mainstream audiences.

When Australia was granted an official slot in 2015, it was intended to be a one-time deal, but after the success of that year with Guy Sebastian placing fifth in the grand final, the agreement continued, although the invitation to compete is extended annually.

The next year, Dami Im finished first in the semifinals and came second in the grand final with her song Sound of Silence.

But since those first two barnstorming years, the highest Australia has finished is ninth, by Isaiah Firebrace in 2017, Kate Miller-Heidke in 2019 and Voyager in 2023. Jessica Mauboy made the finals in 2018 but finished 20th while Sheldon Riley placed 15th in 2022.

The grand final will be broadcast at 5am AEST on Sunday, and Sweden is the frontrunner. Tony Armstrong and Courtney Act are hosting for the first for SBS.

Go-Jo is a WA-born and Sydney-based artists whose popularity has skyrocketed in the past two years thanks to his breakout song, Mrs Hollywood, reaching a billion views across social media.

After his elimination, Go-Jo said in a statement: “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.”

Australia is the only country outside of the European Broadcasting Union that competes in Eurovision.