Eurovision Song Contest 2025 on SBS Go-Jo staging surprise

Eurovision Song Contest 2025 on SBS Go-Jo staging surprise – Australia’s known for putting big things on the map – the Big Banana, the Big Lobster, the Big Pineapple – even Paul Hogan’s iconic line in Crocodile Dundee speaks to the bold, cheeky spirit at the heart of Australian identity.

To mark 10 years of participating in the world’s largest live music event, it’s only fitting that another iconic figure joins the ranks as they step out onto the biggest stage in the world. Yes, we’re talking about our Milkshake Man Go-Jo – and a big blender, measuring at 4-metres tall!

Go-Jo opens the second Semi Final on Thursday 15 May CEST in Europe. Australian’s can experience all the action LIVE on Friday 16 May at 5:00am AEST or in the prime time ‘Access All Areas’ event coverage on Saturday 17 May at 7:30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The global viral pop sensation performed his glossy, larger-than-life track for the first time at St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel, Switzerland, in the official first rehearsal for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. He’s been keeping a big secret for many months, famously saying that spilling details “would be like opening presents before Christmas – it would ruin the magic.”

Now, in a first look from the Eurovision Song Contest team, Go-Jo’s highly anticipated staging is revealed.

Taking cues from the Willy Wonka-meets-Rocky Horror aesthetic of the official Milkshake Man music video (directed by Josh Harris), Go-Jo’s staging brings the wall-to-wall chaos from the milkshake van to the Eurovision stage. Working with staging directors and producers Marvin Dietmann (Voyager, 2023), and Dan Shipton and Ross Nicholson of Black Skull Creative, get ready to be swept into a riot of retro flair and high-octane showmanship with bold neon hues, playful costumes, and that je ne sais quoi Go-Jo brings to everything he does.

As the lights dim and the playful introduction of Greensleeves begins, the audience is invited to the world of a unique talent. An origin story of sorts, meet ‘The Milkshake Man’ – a magical salesman with an all-powerful elixir that can turn anyone into the best version of themselves. With the lyric, “The shake is not a drink – it’s a state of mind, it’s a secret superpower you were born to find,” Go-Jo encourages everyone to embrace their individuality, unapologetically and wholeheartedly.

Through ‘80s-inspired infomercial graphics, the audience is drawn into the allure of the Milkshake Man’s world – a limitless wonderland of endless possibility.

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Go-Jo himself is transformed, beginning the show in an outfit reminiscent of traditional milkmen, revealing a sparkly sequinned number underneath (a nod to the music video).

Joined on stage by Jenaya Okpalanze (Surely Shirley) and Jeannine Bruderer, we see how Go-Jo’s ‘Milkshake Man’ inspires self-expression and unlocks the power that already exists within you. Once you step into the giant blender, what comes out isn’t just you—it’s the unleashed, unshakable, fullest version of yourself.

The blender almost acts like a metaphor for the Eurovision experience; a once-a-year moment in time that invites people from all around the world into an inclusive space free from daily constraints to be themselves. For Go-Jo, it’s an experience that’s helped him elevate his art and step into his own.

The performance is a dazzling explosion of colour and charisma, perfectly capturing the cheeky, unpredictable energy of our Milkshake Man.

Go-Jo said:

“Stepping onto the stage for the first time was the most incredible experience of my career to date. The first official rehearsal was epic, and I can’t wait for a packed arena full of “Yum Yums” next week!

Staging Producer Marvin Dietmann said:

“Always a pleasure teaming up with Australia – always fearless, always inventive. They get it, Eurovision isn’t won with lights and props alone, it’s won with a big character at the centre. That’s the winning formula, and with Go-Jo, they’ve absolutely nailed it. He’s magnetic, cheeky, and totally in command. The giant blender prop brings the fun, but it’s Go-Jo’s energy that shakes the whole thing to life. When the artist connects, the staging soars and this one’s built to do that.”

Australian Head of Delegation and SBS Head of Entertainment Emily Griggs said:

“From the moment we saw Go-Jo on stage, we knew he was made for Eurovision. He’s been a joy to work with; enthusiastic, hands-on, and creative. The giant blender isn’t just big and playful, it’s symbolic. Like Eurovision, it’s a celebration of transformation, where artists and audiences alike step into a space that encourages freedom, expression, and becoming the boldest, most confident version of yourself.”

Australia’s Creative Director for Basel, Paul Clarke said:

“Who’s seen a 4-metre milkshake maker before? Only at Eurovision. It feels like the Milkshake Man staging is a generational shift after 10 years, going to a place that is exciting and fun. We hope everyone enjoys it!”

In 2025, SBS celebrates 50 years of broadcasting bold, real, restless content to Australians. This year also marks 10 years of Australia competing in the event, officially beginning in 2015 with Guy Sebastian and his song Tonight Again, and most recently Electric Fields with their song One Milkali (One Blood).

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 Eurovision Song Contest is held from Tuesday 13 May – Saturday 17 May 2025 in Basel, Switzerland with SBS’s exclusive broadcast LIVE and prime time ‘Access All Areas’ event coverage from Wednesday 14 May – Sunday 18 May on SBS and SBS On Demand.

Stay tuned to the SBS Eurovision website for updates: sbs.com.au/Eurovision