Introduction
Few moments in Engelbert Humperdinck’s extraordinary career were quite as unexpected as his appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012. After decades of international success, the legendary singer was chosen by the BBC to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan. His entry was “Love Will Set You Free,” a contemporary ballad written by Martin Terefe and Sacha Skarbek.
The song was officially unveiled in March 2012, ahead of the May 26 Grand Final. Its lyrics tell a bittersweet story of love, separation, and accepting that someone you love may follow another path. At its heart is the idea that genuine love can ultimately bring freedom, even when letting go causes pain.
For Engelbert, Eurovision represented a remarkable new chapter. At 76, he brought a voice already familiar to generations of listeners onto one of Europe’s largest musical stages. The United Kingdom performed first in the Grand Final, and “Love Will Set You Free” finished 25th with 12 points.
The photograph of Engelbert beside his Harley-Davidson and the Union flag shortly before his journey to Baku captures a memorable moment around that Eurovision adventure. Whatever the result, the occasion demonstrated something enduring about his career: after decades in music, there were still new stages to discover.
❤️ “Love Will Set You Free” remains a fascinating chapter in Engelbert Humperdinck’s remarkable musical story.
Do you remember watching Engelbert represent the UK at Eurovision in 2012? 🇬🇧🎶