Engelbert wishes Bonnie Tyler luck in this year's Eurovision (with POLL)
Former Eurovision contender Engelbert Humperdinck has wished Bonnie Tyler luck as she prepares to take part in this year's contest.
The veteran vocalist wrote to Bonnie to congratulate her on being selected to represent the United Kingdom and gave her a vote of confidence, saying: "You can do it, Bonnie!"
Enge, 76, from Great Glen, was the oldest singer to ever take part in Eurovision, when he performed in Baku, Azerbaijan, last year.
Unfortunately, the Leicester legend's ballad Love Will Set You Free came second last with just 12 points – despite being touted as second favourite to win at one point.
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However, Enge referred to the event as a "great step in his career" and has now given his support to 61-year-old Welsh rock singer Bonnie, who will compete in Malmo, Sweden, in May.
Enge wrote: "Dear Bonnie, I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you on being the one to represent our wonderful country.
"The Eurovision was such a great step in my career and with the grand support of the BBC and my beloved country behind me, the loss of winning had me stepping on a loose unforgiving stone on a pyramid to paradise.
"But paradise will always be there for someone else to triumph in fair judgement to pride our country once again.
"Most Sincerely, Engelbert.
"PS – You can do it, Bonnie!"
Bonnie , whose hits include It's A Heartache, Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, will perform a song called Believe In Me at the event on May 18.
Enge's son and manager, Scott Dorsey, said the media hype and exposure from taking part in the contest was "priceless".
He said before he had even finished asking his father whether he fancied representing his country, Enge had agreed and asked what he would be singing.
"My father is still extremely proud to have been asked to represent the United Kingdom," said Scott. "And after performing in front of a television audience of more than 200 million people he has not stopped receiving offers to perform around the world.
"We send our congratulations and best wishes to Bonnie."
Bonnie's '80s classic Holding Out for a Hero was recently used by De Montfort University to raise money for charity when a flash mob of about 1,000 staff and students danced and lip-synced to the song.
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Just a reminder of Enge's Eurovision song...
4 Comments
by penniner
Saturday, March 09 2013, 3:27PM
“Britain used to take Eurovision seriously but certainly the past decade we haven't. We come last or near the bottom because our entries these days are pathetic. Even Terry Wogan realised that so gave up.”
by Eastonian
Saturday, March 09 2013, 11:07AM
“By still going for the older generation are those who make the decision admitting there is no young talent out there who could do a better job?”
by Kohelet
Saturday, March 09 2013, 10:32AM
“Going for someone younger this year I see !”
by KulganCrydee
Saturday, March 09 2013, 9:44AM
“Good luck to her but I doubt whoever we put up would get a decent score due to the geopolitical voting inherent in the Eurovision. Let's just hope Bonnie Tyler is not 'holding out for a zero'.”