Engelbert Humperdinck has upset patriotic Eurovision fans by saying he is performing for Germany on Saturday (26.05.12).
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The 76-year-old crooner is the UK entry for the competition in Azerbaijan but ahead of his performance he has claimed he is singing on behalf of the Britain and Germany.
In an interview with German newspaper Bild, he said: “I’ve got English blood in me but my heart beats for Germany. That’s why I’m singing for all the Germans on Saturday, especially for the German women.
“My grandfather was German, my mother was German. I went to Mülheim an der Ruhr for my military service. Later I had my biggest success in your beautiful country where I still feel at home.”
Engelbert – who was born in India – also praised the beauty of German women.
He added: “The German women are supposed to remember the beautiful time that we had together. They are supposed to get out the old photos and to dream with me.”
However, the BBC – the channel which hosts the contest in the UK – has said he was simply trying to drum up some support.
A spokesperson said: “This is about getting the rest of Europe on board.”
Meanwhile, Engelbert has said he has a good chance of winning the contest because his song, Love Will Set You Free, has a “good message and melody”.
He said: “The song stands a good chance. It has a good message and melody. It is a Viennese waltz and I’ve had luck with waltzes before. I’ve tried it out at concerts in America and the entire audience stands up afterwards.”
