She’s Got Her Lipstick On, Hit and Run, Then I’m Done (Saturday, May 14, 2011)

No stamp: Eurovision Song Contest @ Shoreditch House / The Joiners Arms

Last weekend, I got the chance to take part in a grand European tradition: Eurovision! In short, it’s like a mix of American Idol but partially with a sense of irony. Over the course of the year, loads of countries submit songs, and on one special evening, they each perform and are voted on until one wins the crown. We chose to watch it fancy-style at Shoreditch House, where the trannies of Gay Bingo were hosting, dressed up as past winners like Dana International and doing intermittent performances. Perfect.

I thought Jedward from Ireland were a shoe-in to win with their song “Lipstick”, but in the end, this song from Azerbaijan (Azer-freakin’-baijan!) took it home. And to think, we made a pact to visit the place where the winners came from on holiday…

Naturally, we followed up the show with a trip to East London’s favorite trashy gay bar, the Joiners, where lots of ’90s hip-hop was played.