In Conversation With Go-Jo

Go-Jo is the solo project of Marty Zambotto. The emerging pop star is fast becoming a superstar, charming everyone he meets on the Eurovision pre-party circuit from Amsterdam to London to Madrid. Having risen to prominence on the platform TikTok, the former Australian Rules Football player has built a following via his quirky covers and the viral single, Mrs Hollywood; however, it is in the wake of his Eurovision single, Milkshake Man, that the world has really sat up and started listening to the Australian songsmith. Co-written by Sheppard, who narrowly missed out on the chance to represent their country a few years ago, Go-Jo has been serving smiles and some serious dance moves all over Europe since leaving sunny Sydney at the end of March. His delicious, eccentric song Milkshake Man hit over 3 million streams in the first 6 weeks of release, 1.4 million views on YouTube, and charted in 16 countries on Spotify Viral Charts and time alone will tell how it fares at Eurovision. We caught up with Marty to learn more about him and his ambitions.

Hi, first and foremost, how are you?

I’m feeling good as gold! Honestly, this year’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but the good kind — like getting caught in a glitter tornado. I’ve been running on adrenaline, broccoli, and pure Eurovision dreams.

What an exciting 2025 so far... You must be thrilled with how it's playing out. What's been the highlight?

Performing Milkshake Man to sold-out crowds at the Eurovision pre-parties in Amsterdam, London, and Madrid — that’s been the real 'pinch me' moment. Hearing thousands of voices screaming 'Yum Yum' back at me? That energy, that love, that chaos — it's burned into my brain forever. Absolute core memory.

We absolutely love Milkshake Man. Tell us a little about the process behind the scenes in creating the song?

Thank you! The song was born out of a moment where I felt like I had to either shrink to fit in… or go full milkshake mode and own every weird, wild part of myself. I brought that energy into the studio with Sheppard, who just get how to turn bold emotion into big pop hooks. We built it together from the ground up — a bassline with bounce, a chorus you can chant in a stadium, and lyrics that give you a pep talk in disguise.

Did you always intend the song for Eurovision?

Not at first. It was just this joyful track we all loved. But once we started playing it live and saw the response — the dancing, the broccoli, the absolute mayhem — it clicked. It felt so Eurovision. Big heart, big fun, big message.

Have you always been a big fan of Eurovision?

I used to attend annual viewing parties back home in WA with themed snacks — I once made Vol-au-vents for Voltaj. No regrets. It’s the Super Bowl of self-expression.

Who is your favourite Eurovision entry of all time?
I’ve got a soft spot for Måneskin. Rocking out in Italian with that much swagger? Come on.

Australia has had a very strong history at Eurovision. Do you have a favourite Australian performance?

Dami Im’s Sound of Silence was a cultural moment. That vocal? That dress? She came to conquer. I reckon she really paved the way for artists like me to be taken seriously on that stage.



If you had to file it between two other songs, what would they be and why...?

Tough one! Maybe somewhere between Lizzo’s Juice and Mika’s Grace Kelly. It’s got that campy confidence, but with a touch of chaos and a sugar-rush bounce that makes you wanna dance in the mirror.

Who do you feel is your stiffest competition?

There are some insanely talented acts this year. I’ve got my eye on the Icelandic crew — they’ve got that quirky edge with stadium-level production. But honestly? We’re all bringing something different to the table. It’s like a buffet of bangers.

What can we expect from your Basel performance?

Oof — I wish I could tell you! Let’s just say... we’ve got something very special in the works. But my lips are sealed for now. Suspense is half the fun, right?

What is your Eurovision ambition?

To leave people smiling. Whether I place first or thirty-seventh, if the audience feels a little freer, a little bolder after my set — I’ve done my job. But yeah… winning wouldn’t suck either.

If you could record with one other Eurovision artist, who would you work with?

Tough call — for a big ballad moment, I’d love to work with Zoë Me. Her voice has this raw emotion that gives you goosebumps. But if we’re going glam rock chaos, give me PARG any day. That would be one loud, fabulous mess — in the best way.

And lastly, aside from Eurovision, what other 2025 plans do you have?
I’m also hitting the road later this year — bringing the Milkshake Tour to fans across Europe and back home in Oz. Expect big energy and weird snacks.