So, what's given the Hump the hump? Singer looks like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders as he says he's sure he can win Eurovision
In 2012, Engelbert Humperdinck, the iconic British singer, was preparing to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest. As reported by Laura Clark for the Daily Mail, recent photos depicted Humperdinck looking quite different from his promotional images. While he was once known for his suave style, the 75-year-old was seen walking in casual attire near his home in Los Angeles, appearing much older than his years with visible bags under his eyes.
According to the article, the BBC had used a carefully airbrushed promotional photo of Humperdinck for the contest, which depicted him without the signs of aging present in his more candid shots. Despite the contrasts between these images, Humperdinck expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to win Eurovision, stating, “I am going to win it for Britain... I’m very positive.”
However, the response in the UK was mixed, with many voicing displeasure at the BBC's choice of Humperdinck as the contestant. Critics argued that the selection of a veteran artist failed to represent the younger, vibrant spirit of contemporary Britain, especially in a year notable for events like the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee. Some viewers lamented the missed opportunity to showcase up-and-coming talents, leading to significant debate online.
Despite past performances from more youthful entrants having yielded poor results for the UK at Eurovision, Humperdinck remained optimistic, referencing his long career and connections across Europe. This confidence and his experience were pivotal to his campaign as he geared up for the competition in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Engelbert's entry marked a controversial but nostalgic moment in Eurovision history. While he received praise for his stature as a performer, the response to his selection illuminated ongoing tensions surrounding the representation of Britain in international culture and entertainment .
What are your thoughts on Engelbert's participation in Eurovision? Do you think the BBC made the right choice in selecting him? Feel free to share your opinions or any related experiences you might have!
