All week music fans across the world have been gearing up for the Eurovision Song Contest. The annual event, which takes place on Saturday, May 17, captures the attention of people around the world every single year. However, on Thursday, during the semi-finals in Basel, Switzerland, a 29-year-old viral pop sensation gave a dynamic performance that caught the attention of viewers. In fact, at first they almost mistook him for a world famous singer.
Go-Jo or, as he’s been dubbed, the Milkshake Man as a result of his song, put on an epic performance which featured giant blenders, Freddie Mercury-style jumpsuits, epic costume changes and plumes of smoke. The Sydney-based singer-songwriter, also known as Marty Zambotto, is said to have put on one of the most fun performances in Australia’s decade of competing in the world’s biggest song contest.
Even though he failed to make it through to the grand final this weekend, many viewers couldn’t help but notice one thing. As he took to the stage in a baby blue jumpsuit, complete with glitter and sparkles, people couldn’t help but make a glaring comparison.
Taking to X, many pointed out that he looked like a very famous singer. In fact, they couldn’t get over the resemblance.
Taking to X, one person wrote: “Did not know that Benson Boone was Australian.” Another added: “Why is Benson Boone in Eurovision??”
After it was revealed the singer didn’t make it through, a third posted: “Sexy Benson Boone, you deserved so much better.” Meanwhile, someone else joked: “The Milkshake Man really just put Benson Boone to shame.”
If you don’t remember, American singer Benson Boone, 22, wowed the GRAMMY audience earlier this year when he took to the stage to perform in a sparkly blue jumpsuit. As the Milkshake Man donned a similar look, together with similar hair, people couldn’t help but point out the similarities.
Boone, known for hits such as “Beautiful Things” and “Sorry, I’m Here For Someone Else”, has fans all over the world and also left people stunned when he performed with Brian May at Coachella earlier this year. Though he may be worlds away from Eurovision, people thought Australia’s entrant looked very much like him.
This week 37 countries have competed in the 69th iteration of Eurovision, with 26 acts now through to the grand final, which broadcasts on Saturday, May 17 in Europe and Sunday, May 18 at 5am AEST on SBS and SBS On Demand.
Countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom have bagged spots in the final, together with hosts Switzerland. Remember Monday are taking to the stage to represent the UK, and will perform their catchy tune “What The Hell Just Happened?”
Australia’s entry, Zambotto, started to gain attention online in 2023 after he uploaded his song Mrs Hollywood to TikTok. The track went on to be viewed around one billion times across various platforms.
Speaking to Guardian Australia before the competition, Zambotto noted was introduced to “the Olympics of music” by his French father as a child. He said: “The Eurovision stage, it’s all about, you know, self-expression, and the community around it’s all just so lovely.
“Knowing that Australia hasn’t won as well, I think it’s a lot more of a driver, too.” Australia first appeared at the contest back in 2014. At the time, Jessica Mauboy was an interval act during the semi-finals.
Then, a year later in 2015, Guy Sebastian became the first Australian to take part in the contest. He entered with his song Tonight Again.