Engelbert Humperdinck may have spent more than six decades building a career around romantic ballads, but the legendary singer is still challenging himself musically.
Humperdinck will return to Manila for “The Legend Continues — Engelbert Humperdinck: The Celebration Tour 2026” on Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. at the New Frontier Theater, bringing his timeless hits and new material to Filipino fans.
In a Zoom interview with Philippine media, Humperdinck said his latest album represents a departure from the sound audiences have long associated with him.
“I love a challenge, you know, and when the clear path for records was the idea of me doing songs from the ’80s, from all the big band sounds, I thought it was a brilliant idea and it’s something I’ve never done in all the many, many albums that I’ve released,” he said.
The project, which he described as “a different Engelbert album,” features his interpretations of songs associated with iconic rock and pop performers. Yet Humperdinck said the material remains connected to the theme that has defined much of his career — love.
“It is a different Engelbert. It’s a different idea. And the idea is what makes it different. Me singing songs of Kiss and other artists, I never thought I could do that. But I took the challenge and I took it on and I was able to do it because some of the songs are still about love. They’ve still got the word love in it, love and romance in it,” he said.
Outside his comfort zone
Working with producer Pete Mills, Humperdinck said he embraced the challenge of recording material outside his traditional repertoire.
“Nobody expects me to record songs like this. The general public will be so surprised that it comes from a man of my age, to sing songs of that caliber,” he said.
The singer’s classic recordings, meanwhile, continue to find new audiences. “A Man Without Love,” originally recorded more than five decades ago, gained new attention after appearing in Marvel’s “Moon Knight.”
“I’m very flattered with it because ‘A Man Without Love’ is a song I recorded over 50 years ago. And then the young people heard it in this TV series. And they come to see my show. They want to know what an Engelbert Humperdinck looks like. And I’ve got a new young following now,” he said.
For Humperdinck, that cross-generational appeal is among the most rewarding aspects of his career.
“I think it means that I scored very heavily with the public. For me to get three, four generations to follow me is something very special. And I think that’s what’s given me longevity in this business,” he said.
Filipino connection
He also spoke about his strong connection with Filipino audiences, who have embraced his songs as karaoke favorites.
“I’m always excited to come to your part of the world because people love my music over there and it seems that I’m very popular with the karaoke machines. Most of my songs are on karaoke,” he said.
He also praised Filipinos for their love of music and recalled how audiences would sing along during his Philippine performances.
“I think the Filipino people are, number one, music lovers. And number two, I’m pleased that they chose me as one of their favorites,” he said.
Humperdinck has prepared a special surprise for his Manila return: He plans to sing a well-known Filipino song.
“I hope you’re going to like my version of it,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any feeling better than a live performance. Because the audience feeds you with love and affection. It really charges your batteries. I think it’s the best feeling in the world,” he added.
As he continues touring and recording, Humperdinck said he refuses to let age define him. “I keep my body fit. I do my exercises. And I try to keep as young as possible.”