It's Go time: Aussie opener for Eurovision semi-final

Aussie act Go-Jo will be the first to take to the stage in the second semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland.

Go-Jo, also known as singer-songwriter Marty Zambotto, will perform the tongue-in-cheek Milkshake Man in Thursday's event (5am on Friday AEST), competing alongside countries including Ireland and Israel for a spot in the grand final.

Norwegian singer Emmy Kristiansen will represent Ireland with the song Laika Party, about a Soviet dog sent to space.

October 7 survivor Yuval Raphael will perform Hebrew, French and English-language entry New Day Will Rise - with the aim of qualifying for the final at St Jakobshalle Basel arena on Saturday.

The evening will also have performances from three of the "big five" countries that have already made the final - British girl group Remember Monday, French singer Louane and German duo Abor & Tynna.

Remember Monday's Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele will harmonise on stage with the track What The Hell Just Happened?

They are set to go on after acts including Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch), who is among the competition favourites with song Wasted Love.

Once all 16 acts have performed, the voting will begin with those countries performing being able to cast their votes for their favourites, and 10 contestants going through to the final on Saturday.

In the final, qualifiers will also face Sweden representative's Kaj with their entry Bara Bada Bastu, about Nordic sauna culture, Ukraine's Ziferblat with the song Bird Of Pray, and Estonia's Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato, among others.

The grand final on Saturday will also see reigning champion Switzerland perform, who as host are guaranteed a slot after their act, Nemo, was victorious in 2024.