May 27, 2012 10:07

Engelbert Humperdinck flops at Eurovision Song Contest 2012

Veteran crooner finishes second bottom at European signing competition

Photo: PA

Engerlbert Humperdinck failed to light up this year's Eurovision Song Contest and finished second last.

The veteran crooner was hoping the ballot for the running order would give him an advantage in the contest, but after been drawing out to sing first, it seems his schmaltzy ballad 'Love Will See You Free' was forgotten by near enough everyone.

Inevitably, the UK entry received few votes and Humperdinck finished in a lowly second bottom – only Norway saved the 'Release Me' singer's blushes, although the lyrics of his most famous hit must surely have been ringing in his ears.

Eurovision Song Contest 2012 was eventually won by Sweden's Loreen, who was crowned the winner with her dance track 'Euphoria'. Her closest rival for the prize was Russia's Buranovo Grannies – a troupe of folk-singing pensioners.

Speaking after his defeat, Humperdinck congratulated the winner and said he did "the best for my country" as it was "out of his hands".

He added: "I've had highs in my career and Eurovision has been a wonderful experience. I want to thank everybody, especially my fans around the world, for their support."

The crooner, who has sold over 150 million records worldwide, received a total of 12 votes from Estonia, Latvia, Belgium and Ireland – whose entry was annoying brat twins Jedward.

Last year, reformed boy band Blue hoped to win the contest with their track 'I Can', but they finished in a disappointing 14th place. The last UK act to win the Eurovision Song Contest was Katrina And The Waves, who took first place in 1997 with their track 'Love Shine A Light'.

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