Selma Halliwelldóttir triumphs at Eurovision semifinal at Retro Bar, London
I had a quick listen to this year's Eurovision Song Contest entries.
Just like two years ago, my favourite is Iceland. Alright, I'll admit I'm sentimentally attached to the country, having spent five years of my life with Björk's neighbour and his posse of expats friends in Paris.
Selma represents Iceland for the second time (she was runner-up in the 1999 edition) with a cute little track with heart-tugging strings and just that little bit of an ethnic touch that's so now (in Eurovision circles) without being too daring.
Look-wise, judging from the video, she appears to have just graduated from the Geri Halliwell academy of style. One moment she's all straight hair, strict dress and trying to shoot down a potential (or deceitful?) lover with a bow and arrow, the other she's sporting a full head of curls and a skimpy outfit in a club surrounded with dancers.
Fortunately, past performances have proven that Selma can sing live – unlike Geri who could not carry a tune if it come with its own handle.
All the gayers in London seem to agree, and crowned Selma the winner of the unofficial Eurovision semifinal at Retro Bar last Thursday. Which amounts to what is known within the restricted circle of Euro-initiated as the 'kiss of death' (Lena Ph won at Retro last year but then proceeded to underperform at the live event).
I hereby make my pledge that should Iceland win and host the contest next year, I shall paying a long-postponed fourth visit to my friends there in May 2006. Just typing this gives me goosebumps. Awesome, awesome place.