It was, perhaps, no Marilyn Monroe to John F Kennedy.
But today is Angela Merkel's 60th birthday. And that calls for music. At the most awkward press conference of all time. (Well, maybe since that one time aman threw a shoe at George Bush.
At a press conference in Brussels, journalist Udo van Kampen from German channel ZDF insisted on showing off his singing skills to the Chancellor, and would brook no opposition.
Merkel is enjoying her birthday song
“Before I put my first question, I think I speak on behalf of all my colleagues here in Brussels, I would like to congratulate you warmly on your birthday. We wish you all the best, good health and everything you request, for the future," he said.
The German chancellor smiles and nods, but a marked fear creeps across her face when she hears the next sentence.
“And if you are brave enough to listen to a birthday song, I want to sing now.”
Kampen, the channel's Brussels editor, proceeds to sing, thinly, 'Happy Birthday to You', ending with 'liebes Bundescouncillor' (dear Chancellor) as Merkel's smile weakens, and her eyes dart around for an escape route.
"I should have joined in," said the Chancellor in response, quite bashful considering she's the most powerful woman in the world.
"Thank you, thank you, that was my first birthday song today."
Merkel went on to say she had received a bouquet of flowers and champagne from the Parliament, but hadn't yet had anyone sing to her. "Good, well thanks," she concluded. "Each to his own."
Kampen, according to Allgemeine Zeitung, was a member of a band in his youth, named 'Moodies'.