The “King of Romance” has gone on the offensive over pal Bonnie Tyler’s dismal result in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Engelbert Humperdinck, who represented the United Kingdom in the annual singing competition in 2012, has blasted the voting process saying the results are “all fixed.”
“When you’ve got a professional musician going up against amateurs, and an amateur wins, something is radically wrong,” Humperdinck said.
“Even with Bonnie Tyler, who I consider a great talent, she placed near the bottom which shows it’s all just politics,” he said.
Tyler placed 19th this year, while Humperdinck narrowly avoided taking home the wooden spoon in 2012 ending up 25th out of 26 entrants.
Despite his misgivings about the contest, Humperdinck revealed the contents of a personal note he sent to Tyler before her performance.
“The loss of winning had me stepping on a loose unforgiving stone on a pyramid to paradise, but paradise will always be there for someone else to triumph in fair judgement to the pride of our country once again,” he wrote.
The overtly sincere Ten Guitars singer called the event an “amazing challenge” and has moved on from his defeat with the announcement of his latest New Zealand concert date.
The show will include all of Humperdinck’s classic tunes, and will debut a virtual duet with Elton John, as well as other material from his upcoming Duets album.
“I will be singing some highlights from my new CD, but will of course treat my New Zealand fans to their favourite song, Ten Guitars,” said Humperdinck.
“Every time I come to New Zealand, I end up singing it two or three times before I leave the stage. The reaction is amazing – I have great fans there.”
Earlier this year, Humperdinck re-recorded the unofficial Kiwi anthem with Australian band The Break after striking up a friendship with one of the band members.
This, along with his new album in the works have kept the 77-year-old singer where he wants to stay – in the limelight.
“I’ll keep going as long as they want me,” he said.
“It’s a way of life for me, I love travelling round and singing my songs. I think if I sit at home, I’ll dissipate.”
He credits his continued success to a combination of his strange name, trademark locks and most famous tune, Release Me.
Englebert Humperdinck will play Vector Arena, Auckland for one concert on Saturday 29 June.
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