TRANSCRIPT
After failing to make the final last year, Australia needed to shake things up at Eurovision 2025, so who better to send than the Milkshake man?
Soon, we’ll know if Europe likes the taste of what Gojo’s serving.
“It's like so surreal. And you know, looking up at this, at this, all the chairs, and knowing that it how it's going to be so filled is it's a very surreal feeling, and it's very honourable as well. Just to you know, I see the postcard playing, and it says, you know, that I'm representing Australia. It's everything about it is just, you know, it lights me up and it makes me feel very warm and excited.”
His quick-change-in-a-blender set to be one of the most memorable… and risky… moments of the night.
“Yeah well it’s actually magic! There’s nothing that happens that’s physical.. it’s all magic, it’s all cosmos of the universe.”
For the first time, Australia’s up first.
Opening the show is not always considered a good thing, the theory being viewers might have forgotten an act by voting time.
But GoJo’s not concerned.
“Love it so much, could not be happier, actually. I think it's like... and I know the energy I bring, and I'm very opening stages. Like, I remember opening... I, you know, did some stuff with the Jonas Brothers when they played in Sydney, and I'm just, I feel like I'm very used to it, and I love warming the stage and getting the crowd energised for all the other acts. And, and, and like I said, I'm very confident. And so excited about our performance in particular, because I just, you know, I know all the hard work we've all put into it and how fun it's going to be.”
Eurovision is meant to unite nations, but for the second year running, Israel’s participation has sparked controversy amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Though Israel has competed in the contest for over 50 years and won four times, this year’s inclusion has reignited debate.
Dozens of former contestants and several participating countries have questioned why Israel remains eligible, while Russia was banned following its invasion of Ukraine.
They’ve called on Eurovision organisers to review Israel’s involvement.
The European Broadcasting Union said Israel’s entry was submitted by its national broadcaster, not its government.
This year, Israel is represented by Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack at the Nova music festival.
She was met by pro-Palestinian protestors at the opening ceremony.
Ms Raphael says the best way for her to respond to criticism is to stay focused on giving her best performance.
“There is always side noises, and there is always opinions and conversations about so many things, but I think, for me, concentrating and just keeping everything aside as much as I can to bring the best performance is the best decision that I can make.”
And she used the spotlight to make a final plea on behalf of hostages still held in Gaza.
“I would like to finish with one thing, if I can, please, about the hostages. They should have been home a long, long time ago. And hopefully they will be home when I get back, I wish. And that's it. Thank you very much.”
Security around the event has been increased.
Basel police are currently investigating an incident where a protester allegedly made a throat-slitting gesture toward the Israeli delegation during the opening ceremony.
Police spokesperson Rooven Brucker confirmed the matter is under investigation.
“We are aware of an incident of the person apparently making a threatening gesture towards the delegation from Israel and further clarification is underway.”
He says officers are prepared for a range of possible disruptions but so far, events have remained peaceful.
“An ongoing assessment of the situation is being carried out by the security forces at the ESC. We are prepared for various and a wide range of incidents that could happen. So far it has been peaceful and we hope it stays that way.”
As for GoJo, he says that spirit of unity remains very much alive on the stage.
“The competition was created to bring unity amongst Europe so, that’s what it continues to do and it always feels like the love is always there and that’s the most important thing.”
GoJo and Yuval Raphael are performing in the second semi-final on Thursday [[15 May]], with the Grand Final set for Saturday night [[17 May]] at Basel’s Saint Jakobshalle arena.
SBS’s exclusive broadcast of Eurovision 2025 is LIVE and in prime time from Wednesday 14 May – Sunday 18 May on SBS and SBS On Demand.
