Engelbert Humperdinck has a battle on his hands in this year’s Eurovision song contest – he will be up against six grannies who are to represent Russia.
It means the 75-year-old crooner, who will be performing for Britain, will not be the only pensioner taking part in the competition.
He will be going head-to-head with Russia’s rural folk group Buranovskiye Babushki, which beat 24 other acts in a televised contest in Moscow.
The “Buranovo Grannies”, from the Udmart Republic, won the hearts of the nation and jurors by belting out Party For Everybody – a folk-disco song.
Written by the band, it is sung in a mixture of English and Udmurtian, a language related to Finnish.
British hopes are pinned on 75-year-old Engelbert Humperdinck
Donning traditional costumes from the region, including red head scarves, colourful dresses and wooden shoes, the sextet beat a host of big-name Russian acts.
These included a duet by 2008 Eurovision winner Dima Bilan and Yulia Volkova, a former member of the Russian girlband Tatu, and another favourite, R&B singer Timati.
The grannies have said their goal is to raise money to build a church in their village.
One member of the group called Olga, said: “Grandmothers don’t need glory and wealth. We have family, we have a home, we have enough to live.”
The group rose to fame in Russia with cover versions of hits including the Beatles’ Yesterday and the Eagle’s Hotel California.
One young Muscovite said the choice of a folk band would strengthen Russia’s quest for the top slot at the competition.
“These are traditions – culture should not be forgotten,” she said.
SKY