Australia Eurovision 2025 hopes were dashed as Go-Jo, also known by his real name Marty Zambotto, was eliminated from the competition. Despite kicking off the second semi-final with his catchy song Milkshake Man, the Australian entrant did not make it through to the grand final. Fans had high expectations, but viewer televotes ultimately determined who advanced—and Go-Jo didn’t make the cut.
The second semi-final featured 16 performances, but only 10 countries could proceed to the Eurovision 2025 grand final. The audience cast their votes live, leading to a lineup that included Lithuania, Israel, Armenia, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Latvia, Malta, and Greece. Unfortunately, Australia was not among them, marking a back-to-back loss for the country at Eurovision.
Alongside Australia, other nations that didn’t qualify in this round were Montenegro, Ireland, Georgia, Czechia, and Serbia. Each of these acts put forward strong performances but fell short of winning enough public support to move forward. The competition remains fierce, and Eurovision 2025 continues to prove that no country can take qualification for granted.
In an interview with SBS News before the event, Go-Jo shared what success at Australia Eurovision 2025 would mean for him. “I think just seeing smiles,” he said. He emphasized that the entire process was a team effort and that bringing joy to others would reflect the dedication poured into the act. “A lot of people would see me, as the performer, but I have an incredible team behind everything.”
He added, “I think one of the most meaningful things is making them proud, and obviously Australia. It’s such a big thing for me. Just, seeing everyone smile at the end of everything, I think that’s a big win.” These heartfelt words highlighted the personal importance of the event for the artist, even as the outcome fell short of his hopes.
Go-Jo’s exit from Australia Eurovision 2025 continues a disappointing trend for the country. In 2024, Electric Fields also failed to make it past the semi-finals. These recent outcomes contrast sharply with 2023, when Voyager, a progressive metal band, secured a spot in the grand final with their song Promise. That year, they finished in ninth place, while Sweden claimed the win.
For Eurovision fans, anticipation now turns toward the grand final. Eurovision 2025’s grand final is scheduled for Sunday, 18 May at 5am AEST and will be broadcast on SBS and SBS On Demand. It promises a dynamic lineup of contestants from across the continent and beyond.
Alongside the 10 qualifiers from the second semi-final, the final will also include the top 10 from the first semi-final. These countries are Iceland, Poland, Estonia, Ukraine, Sweden, Portugal, Norway, San Marino, Albania, and the Netherlands. Each of these acts brings its own unique style and energy to the stage.
As always, the ‘Big Five’—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom—automatically secured spots in the final. Host nation Switzerland will also perform. These six pre-qualified countries add significant weight and viewership appeal to the event, which remains one of the world’s most-watched music spectacles.
Though Australia Eurovision 2025 did not go as planned for Go-Jo, the journey has not been without its memorable moments. From energetic performances to heartfelt interviews, Go-Jo made a lasting impression. His appearance at Eurovision showed creativity and commitment, capturing the spirit of the competition even without advancing to the final stage.
The Eurovision Song Contest continues to evolve, showcasing both seasoned performers and emerging talent. With Go-Jo now part of Australia’s growing Eurovision legacy, fans look forward to what the nation will bring in future contests. Whether or not success is immediate, participation in such a globally celebrated event is, in itself, a mark of prestige.
As Eurovision heads into the grand final, all eyes are on the remaining acts. The diversity of musical genres and cultures makes the event a yearly highlight for millions. From pop and rock to folk and experimental sounds, the contest remains a vibrant celebration of unity through music.
Stay tuned for the Eurovision 2025 grand final this Sunday and see which performance takes the crown. As Go-Jo expressed, “Just, seeing everyone smile at the end of everything, I think that’s a big win.” Even without qualifying, his words resonate with the heart of Eurovision’s enduring legacy.
