That may be the question on everyone’s lips after watching the global soccer star receive a bouquet of flowers and kisses on the check after setting foot in Indonesia.

The reason was apparently more than just about looks, even though the 29-year-old confessed she had gone all out for the event, dressing up especially for Becks (Beckham), emulating his wife’s style with sleek gown complete with an extraordinary hairdo and makeup, which she proudly named as jambul khatulistiwa (equator topknot) and bulu mata anti-tsunami (tsunami-proof eyelashes).

Syahrini was an unknown, five years ago. She began her singing career in 2007 with a wobbly start. She released an album in 2008 and was involved in soundtrack compilations for a feature film, but no one too much notice of the Bogor-born artist.

The life of Syahrini changed course in 2009, when singer and composer Anang Hermansyah asked her to be his partner in a music project.

Since then, Syahrini has been a local media sweetheart. Syahrini’s everyday life — from a visit to old-school to her short-lived romance with Anang after his separation with pop diva Krisdayanti — has never escaped media spotlight.

Not a single day is missed without news about Syahrini appearing on TV.

Knowing that her life has become part of the media’s daily diet, Syahrini doesn’t want to waste a minute of publicity.

Not only her fashion style, but her comments even make headlines. Syahrini stole public attention with by coining the phrase “Alhamdullilah, sesuatu banget” (Thank God, it is really something) that instantly become a favorite phrase for everyone.

The overexposed Syahrini is actually the reason the event organizer asked the singer to be part of Beckham’s welcoming team.

“We are aware of the Syahrini sensation lately, and she is admired by all women, so why not Syahrini?” Mahaka Sport director Hasani Abdul Gani said as quoted by kapanlagi.com.

The representative of the local media partner shares the same view, adding that Syahrini’s established presence and achievements brought her the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“She has been performing and her songs are popular; her presence is fantastic,” SCTV program and production director Harsiwi Achmad said.

Ironically, the one and only award that Syahrini has received so far is the 2011 SCTV Award for the most popular singer category, while her successful songs can be counted on one’s fingers during her less-than-five-years experience in the music industry.

In the end, the reason was always about the money.

Harsiwi said that Syahrini did not get paid for the job.

“The truth is there is a good relationship between SCTV and Syahrini. No payment — we offer the chance and she welcomes it,” Harsiwi said.

Syahrini may not get money from the event, but having the chance to meet the idol is reportedly the reason the diva-wannabe jumped on the offer.

Mimicking an ad, dress and makeup may be worth something for Syahrini in waiting for Beckham’s arrival, but the moment to meet face to face with the soccer icon is priceless.

As a bonus, the long-haired artist got a T-shirt signed by the soccer master and even more media coverage that could lengthen Syahrini’s place in the local showbiz spotlight for the next few years.

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