The UK's 2012 Eurovision hopeful has been revealed as none other than veteran pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck.

Engelbert, whose hits include Release Me and A Man Without Love, will perform Love Will Set You Free (above) at this year's Eurovision in Baku, Azerbaijan, in May.

The melancholic track, accompanied by acoustic guitar, met with a mixed reaction on YouTube and Twitter.

"Just forced myself to listen to Engelbert Humperdinck's Eurovision entry. Nearly fell asleep halfway through. AWFUL. Another disaster," showbiz reporter Dan Wootton wrote, as someone else raved, "yes, yes, yes, The UK is sending a ballad sung by one of the greatest voices in singing history, I'm proud that we are sending this to Baku. GOOD LUCK ENGELBERT."

Engelbert himself said, "I have my eyes on the prize with my song Love Will Set You Free. I'm very proud of the song and with the nation behind me, I feel ready and look forward to the rollercoaster ride that is Eurovision."

At 75, he is the oldest ever Eurovision contestant and if he wins the contest, he will bring home triumph for the UK for the first time since Katrina and the Waves 15 years ago.

"At first, the idea of pinning our great British hopes on Englebert was just another reason why the Eurovision Song Contest, like a rabid monkey should quite literally be put out of its misery," said Anita Bhagwandas , Stylist's music correspondent.

"Having long since surpassed the realms of kitsch novelty, the reason for a party and yet another reason (as if more were needed) to stay in on a Saturday evening – it’s become a poor, poor excuse for TV show. And frankly, I’d rather watch the Admiral car insurance advert on repeat than subject my eyes and ears to Eurovision’s sickening soiree. That said, Englebert’s track isn’t half bad. It’s quite touching in places too. And probably the best thing we’ve entered into the contest in some time. That, in itself, is a shocking, shocking statement – I’m not sure I’ll fully recover from having uttered it."

Also in the mix for this year's contest is Ireland's X Factor twins Jedward and a troupe of lycra-clad dancers from Austria.

What do you think? Is Engelbert the man to lead us to victory finally or are you unconvinced? Will Eurovision be worth it for the glam-tastic outfits anyway? Share your thoughts on Twitter or in the comments section below.