He’s 89 — and Karaoke Is the Reason He’s Still Touring the World!
At an age when most performers have long since retired, Engelbert Humperdinck is doing something extraordinary: preparing for more than 60 concert dates across the globe at the age of 89. And in a surprising twist, he says karaoke is one of the biggest reasons his music is still alive — and so is his passion for performing.
In a recent interview, the legendary crooner revealed that karaoke culture has kept his classic hits in the hearts and voices of fans for generations. Songs like Release Me, Quando Quando Quando, and The Last Waltz continue to be sung in karaoke bars from Tokyo to Toronto.
“My music is alive because of karaoke,” Engelbert said. “They’ve kept me relevant, and I’m so grateful.”
During a visit to Hong Kong, he joined in a karaoke session at a local Japanese restaurant where portable karaoke machines were brought to each table. He sang his own songs, and to his delight, guests from the next room rushed in to hear him sing live.
“That was a joyful moment,” he said, smiling. “It reminded me of why I love what I do.”
Although Engelbert had briefly stepped back from live touring following his Last Waltz tour, he admitted he quickly began feeling restless.
“I called my manager and said, ‘I’m climbing the walls — I need to get back on stage!’”
And back he is — with renewed energy and a deep appreciation for his global fanbase, old and new. Humperdinck’s upcoming tour includes stops across the United States and the United Kingdom this fall, and he’s also released a new album titled All About Love, a collection of romantic classics reimagined with his signature style.
But his revival isn’t just about nostalgia. Thanks to a surprise appearance of his 1968 hit A Man Without Love in the Marvel series Moon Knight, Engelbert has been introduced to an entirely new generation. Suddenly, younger audiences are showing up to his shows, curious about this silver-haired singer with the velvet voice.
“I’m seeing new faces in the crowd,” he shared. “Young people asking, ‘Who is Engelbert Humperdinck?’ I love it.”
Born Arnold George Dorsey in Leicester, England, Engelbert’s career has spanned over 50 years, with 140 million records sold, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and devoted fans on nearly every continent. But far from clinging to past glories, he’s embracing the now — and loving it.
“As long as people want to hear me sing, I’ll keep singing,” he said simply.
From late-night karaoke singalongs to sold-out theaters, Engelbert Humperdinck is living proof that music — and joy — truly have no expiration date.