Eurovision surprise: Engelbert Humperdinck is UK entry And when it comes to the murky political world of Eurovision voting, Humperdinck could prove to be the UK's secret weapon. The septuagenarian singer of Release Me, The Last Waltz and Quando Quando Quando remains popular in a number of the countries competing - and voting - in the song contest. Last year he toured Belgium, Romania, Russia, Israel and the Netherlands. The BBC, which screens the contest, hinted at the tactical nature of the choice. Derek McClean, the Corporation's creative director of entertainment, said: "Engelbert has an incredible musical history and heritage, especially in the UK and Europe." There is no denying Humperdinck's global status. Possibly the only international music legend to divide his time between homes in Los Angeles and Leicester, and definitely the only one named after a 19th century German opera composer, he has sold over 150 million records. His achievements include four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for entertainer of the year, 63 gold and 24 platinum records, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His first hit Release Me, topped the charts in January 1967 and he had a further number one that year with The Last Waltz. With his sideburns and smouldering good looks, Humperdinck became a heart-throb. He was a close friend of Elvis Presley and hung out with Jimi Hendrix. He fell out of fashion in the late 1970s but continued to tour. His career is now undergoing something of a renaissance and a new album is planned for this year. The Eurovision single, yet to be announced, has impressively cool credentials: it will be written and produced by the team behind Adele, Mary J Blige and Lana Del Rey. Humperdinck, who turns 76 at the beginning of May, said: "It's an absolute honour to be representing my country for this year's Eurovision Song Contest. When the BBC approached me, it just felt right for me to be a part of an institution like Eurovision. I'm excited and raring to go and want the nation to get behind me. Katie Taylor, head of entertainment and events at the BBC, said: "Not since the "70s have we had such an established international musical legend represent the nation." That decade saw the likes of Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John sing for the UK, followed in 1981 by winning act Bucks Fizz. But the past 20 years have seen only one UK win - Katrina and the Waves in 1997 - and the recent record has been woeful. In 2003, Jemini scored the dreaded "nul points." Former X Factor finalist Andy Abraham came last in 2008, and 19-year-old Josh Dubovie repeated the trick in 2010. Last year, the BBC ended the practice of the UK's entry being chosen by public vote, instead nominating the boy band Blue. They finished in 11th place.