Introduction

Engelbert Humperdinck reignites feud with Sir Tom Jones — and sets his sights on his job

In the world of international music, few rivalries have endured as long or as fiercely as the one between legends Sir Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck. In 2024, Engelbert once again stirred up the long-standing feud by making bold remarks about his old colleague — while subtly hinting that he could easily take over some of the positions Tom currently holds.

The tension between the two dates back to the late 1960s and 1970s, when both were signed to Decca Records and shared the same manager, Gordon Mills. According to Engelbert, those years were filled with favoritism and unfair treatment. The feud deepened when Engelbert reportedly said that Sir Tom had “lost his voice,” a comment that prompted a fiery response from Jones, who made it clear there was no friendship between them.

Engelbert’s remarks went beyond playful teasing or artistic comparison. In a recent interview, he emphasized that he still has the energy, experience, and charisma to mentor young performers — a statement widely interpreted as a jab at Sir Tom’s long-standing role as a coach on The Voice.

Sir Tom Jones, 84, launches fresh attack on 'p***k' Engelbert Humperdinck,  88, amid feud: 'He's tried to talk'

Another interesting twist came when Engelbert mentioned his desire to perform at Glastonbury, a move he described as an attempt to reach new audiences and prove his artistic versatility. By doing so, he seemed eager to show that he’s not just a star of the past but a performer still capable of commanding major stages — directly competing with the likes of Tom Jones.

However, despite Engelbert’s renewed ambition and search for recognition, the feud shows no signs of cooling down. Sir Tom has repeatedly declined any suggestion of reconciliation and continues to hold firm views about his old rival.

In the end, this latest chapter isn’t just about reviving an old grudge — it’s also about Engelbert Humperdinck redefining his legacy. He’s reminding the world that even decades after their chart-topping days, he remains a force to be reckoned with — and perhaps, still looking to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with, or even replace, Sir Tom Jones. Whether the two will ever bury the hatchet remains uncertain, but fans continue to watch with great curiosity.