Why is everyone so ageist? I'm more thrilled with this news than when Josh was chosen with that bland song. Like him or not, he is a well known artist and he can sing. Until we hear the song and him performing it, let's reserve judgement. Sure, he's not your typical eurovision entrant but it wouldn't be the first time eurovision surprised us...remember Lordi? Who would have thought a band like that could ever win eurovision? Or Denmark 2000? It's all up to the song, period.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01cmskj/Tony_Livesey_01_03_2012/ Skip to 2:15:00, damn that guy really criticized the BBC's attitude for Eurovision and basically said what all the Brits I've ever come across thought about the situation. I agree with that man, BUT up to a point. Like I said I'll keep an open mind until I hear the song.
When I heard the news last night, my first thought was: WTF is BBC thinking? Like Mina and Luis, I will wait for the song before my final judgement, but there are some things I wonder about: Why did BBC pick him? How can a guy that was already considered old-fashioned in the 60s deliver a good song in 2012? Will his voice be good? I've seen recordings from 2010 and he wasn't too convincing there... But ok, the song will be composed/written/produced by two modern people, so who knows.
The last part is what makes me feel a little better about this (the songwriters). Josh was young, but we all knew he'd get nowhere with Waterman's lack of effort...
I couldn't agree more with Mina ( ) yes it might have been not a smart choice from BBC and sure he is old and most of his songs are old fashioned, but the team behind him is great, and no one can't say he doesn't have voice cause damn he has a big voice and he is 75 years old! I'm sure he will have a strong song with that team, so it will be a strong song and a good singer live, and we all know that there have been worse live singers in esc and much younger than him, so it's not like a disaster. Other fact is the media behind him already, you see his name and people talking about him already everywhere good or bad but they do, and go anywhere and you wont see that for most of the singers already selected this year, and also I'm sure he will have a big media around him in Baku cause after all he used to be a big star, and normally they always get many attention when they go to esc. So anyway wait for the song and we will see, but for now what we have is a great live singer and a great team behind him, so lets just trust on them and see.
Of course we have to hear the song before we judge it. I admit I was disappointed when I heard the news because I've never liked his songs. This has nothing to do with age though.
everyone anticipated for josh because of pete waterman and look UK had a christmas song during the esc final in oslo...so even if Humpeldicnk has an amazing team behind him, the composers need to be fit with Humpeldincks style, they can't just award him a song that would fit lady gaga
Will love set us free? It could have been worse. At least it has a key change. TV premiere is some time between 7pm and 7:30pm UK on BBC One. Press release: The BBC is pleased to announce that international music legend Engelbert Humperdinck will sing “Love Will Set You Free" when he represents the UK in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday 26 May in Baku, Azerbaijan, broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD. Engelbert calls for the UK to get behind him as he flies the flag for the nation this May at the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan in front of an estimated 120 million viewers worldwide. “Love Will Set You Free” has been recorded in London, Los Angeles and Nashville and is co-written and produced by Grammy Award-winning Martin Terefe (James Morrison, KT Tunstall, Mary J Blige), and Ivor Novello Award-winning Sacha Skarbek (Adele, James Blunt co-writer ‘You’re Beautiful’, Lana Del Rey). Engelbert will be accompanied on stage by guitarist James Bryan, well-known for his appearances with Nelly Furtado. Also, Arlene Phillips [choreographer for Jade Ewen in 2009] will be staging Engelbert’s performance in Baku. Derek McLean, BBC Creative Director Entertainment, says “As Eurovision draws ever closer, we are delighted to announce that Engelbert will perform ‘Love Will Set You Free’ to a worldwide audience of millions at the Eurovision Song Contest. It is a soaring ballad that has been crafted by some of the best people in music. With credentials like these, and our very own music legend on vocals, this year our Eurovision entry is second to none.” Engelbert Humperdinck added: “I have my eyes on the prize with my song ‘Love Will Set You Free’. I’m very proud of the song and with the nation behind me, I feel ready and look forward to the rollercoaster ride that is Eurovision!"
Lyrics from the BBC: Love Will Set You Free (M. Terefe and S.Skarbek – Sony ATV Music/Universal Music Publishing) So graceful and pure A smile bathed in light No matter the distance A miracle of sight Though I should have known I could not turn away When faced with your beauty No reason can stay As you kiss him in the moonlight With heavy words I say If you love someone Follow your heart ‘Cause love comes once If you’re lucky enough Though I’ll miss you forever The hurt will run deep Only love can set you free Trust in your dreams Run with no fear And if you should stumble Remember I’m near As a ghost I will walk I’ll look deep in my soul I might find another You gave me that hope So as you kiss him in the moonlight With heavy words I say If you love someone Follow your heart ‘Cause love comes once If you’re lucky enough Though I’ll miss you forever And the hurt will run deep Only love can set you free And if you love someone Follow your heart ‘Cause love comes once If you’re lucky enough Though I’ll miss you forever The hurt will run deep Love will set you free
I totally love this song, I've already heard it 4 times in a row. I knew the Uk wouldn't send Enge with a crappy song. I'm happy and this is my no 3 now. Go Enge
Engelbert's gone down a storm, it was RAMBO AMADEUS everyone should have counted on if they wanted to be severely disappointed.