Humperdinck hired for UK Eurovision bid

Veteran singer Engelbert Humperdinck, best known for his 1960s smash hit "Release Me", will represent Britain at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, the BBC announced Thursday. Humperdinck, who was born in India but brought up in Leicester, central England, will perform a song written by Sacha Skarbek, who achieved success as co-creator of James Blunt's global chart-topper "You're Beautiful". The 75-year-old singer, real name Arnold Dorsey, has not had a top ten British single for 42 years, but can still claim to be the man who kept The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever"/"Penny Lane" double A-side single off the top spot in 1967. "Not since the '70s have we had such an established international musical legend represent the nation. We couldn't be more delighted," said Katie Taylor, the BBC's head of entertainment and events. "Engelbert's experience leaves us in no doubt that he will be able to deliver a standout performance in front of 120 million viewers worldwide." Humperdinck said he was "excited and raring to go." "When the BBC approached me, it just felt right for me to be a part of an institution like Eurovision," he added. This year's event will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 26.