Australia Bets on a ‘Milkshake Man’: Can Viral Sensation Go-Jo Sweeten Eurovision?

The mystery has finally been solved: Go-Jo, the artist turned viral phenomenon, is set to represent Australia at Eurovision 2025 with his track Milkshake Man. SBS confirmed the news on Tuesday, once again banking on a social media star – his hit Mrs. Hollywood has already racked up over 60 million streams on TikTok – in a bid to return Australia to the Eurovision final after one barren year.
Who is Go-Jo? From TikTok to Basel
With a style that blends 2000s bubblegum pop with lyrics that oscillate between biting irony and unbridled cheek, Go-Jo (real name: Jordan Merrick) is the very definition of «organic success.» Hailing from Sydney, he shot to fame in 2023 when Mrs. Hollywood went viral, becoming the soundtrack to millions of reels about travel, breakups, and… coffee recipes!
But Eurovision isn’t TikTok. Australia has missed out on reaching the final in 2024, and the pressure to reclaim the prestige of the Dami Im era (2016) or Kate Miller-Heidke (2019) is enormous. Can a Milkshake Man outshine dramatic ballads and Scandinavian bops? Is this a case of a well-calculated internal selection or sheer desperation?
Australia has opted for an internal selection in eight out of its eleven Eurovision participations. This method worked with established artists like Isaiah Firebrace (2017) but flopped with more niche acts like Montaigne (2021). Go-Jo, however, is a unique case: he isn’t an indie outsider nor a mainstream superstar, but rather a 100% digital product. What comes next?
On 15th May, during the second semi-final, Go-Jo will face his first major challenge: to break into the top 10 and secure a spot in the final. If he succeeds, Australia will breathe a sigh of relief. If not, SBS will have to explain why they put their faith in a musical meme.
Source: SBS