Introduction
Engelbert Humperdinck’s rendition of Bruno Mars’ smash hit “Just the Way You Are” blends his timeless romantic vocal style with one of the 2010s’ most iconic love songs. Originally released by Bruno Mars in July 2010 as the lead single from his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, the song soared to No. 1 in multiple countries, earned a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and sold over 12.5 million copies worldwide .
In late 2017, as part of his album The Man I Want to Be—a bittersweet tribute to his wife Patricia—Humperdinck chose to cover contemporary classics including Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” and Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are.” This album marked a milestone: it commemorated the 50th anniversary of his first international success and reasserted his relevance in modern music.
Humperdinck’s version debuted in October 2017 via OK! Good Records’ audio release and quickly became a fixture in his concerts, especially his Valentine’s Day performances. Backed by an elegant, orchestral arrangement, his soulful interpretation highlights his warm baritone and romantic delivery, transforming the pop ballad into a timeless crooner standard. One particularly memorable rendition was broadcast as part of a Valentine’s Day tribute—a live performance where he described it as a “soul‑stirring, romantic twist” on Mars’ heartfelt tune.
For Humperdinck—a legend who discovered Bruno Mars as a five-year-old performer in Hawaii and predicted his future stardom—the cover carries personal significance. He has remarked how Mars “performed for me at one of my fan club parties” when young, and it’s poetic that he later recorded one of Mars’ signature songs .
This cover bridges generations: a classic vocalist pays homage to pop’s modern romantics. As such, it exemplifies Humperdinck’s ability to reinterpret contemporary material through his unique, enduring expression of love—making it a fitting serenade for Valentine’s Day.