Dionne Warwick announces final album 'DWuets'

(l-r) Diane Warren, Damon Elliott, Dionne Warwick and Cynthia Erivo Mario Luccy Trending on Billboard Legendary songstress Dionne Warwick is recording the final album in her 65-year career, Billboard has learned exclusively. And the six-time Grammy winner is doing it in high style. Explore Cynthia Erivo Dionne Warwick Kehlani See latest videos, charts and news “Ocean in the Desert,” the first single from Warwick’s forthcoming DWuets album, arrives on March 20. The song marks the first collaboration between Warwick and Emmy-, Tony- and Grammy Award-winner Cynthia Erivo. Billboard has also learned that newly minted Grammy winner Kehlani will be joining Warwick on the album’s second single. Related Justin Bieber Throws Water Bottle Toward Paparazzi During L.A. Date Night With Wife Hailey Bad Bunny Performs First Asia Concert at Star-Studded Spotify's Billions Club in Tokyo Bruno Mars' 'The Romantic' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart In addition, DWuets signals another first-time collaboration: that of Warwick teaming with Grammy-winning songwriter and 14-time Oscar nominee Diane Warren. Commemorating that occasion, the album borrows part of its title from the duo’s initials. Warren wrote all the songs on DWuets, while Warwick’s manager/son Damon Elliott produced all of the album’s duets. More details about the LP’s other high-profile duet partners, as well as the album’s release date, will be revealed at a later date. Warwick and Erivo initially met when the latter performed “Alfie” while honoring Warwick at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2023. “Alfie,” a pop (No. 15) and R&B (No. 5) hit for Warwick in 1967, is one of three of the artist’s classics inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, along with “Walk on By” and “Don’t Make Me Over.” Warwick’s other accolades include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Of working with Erivo, Warwick commented in the press announcement, “It was such a joy to be in the studio harmonizing with such a talented entertainer as Cynthia. We immediately bonded and had so much fun recording this beautiful song.” “It was so warm being in the studio with Dionne; it was like a mother-daughter relationship,” added Erivo. “This experience was like the godmother of music coming in and saying to me ‘I knight you.’” The pair’s “Ocean in the Desert” is being released through Elliott Entertainment in partnership with Vydia, a gamma. company. “The experience of watching all of these young legends working with a real living legend was a thrill to watch,” said Grammy-winning producer Elliott. “Mom picked the lock for them, and they paid respect to one of the greatest artists ever.” Marcus Glenn, official artist for the 56th Grammy Awards, created the artwork for DWuets, including the album cover and individual single covers. These will also be physical art pieces that will be auctioned at a later date.  Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Sign Up Leave a Comment Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Name * Email * Website Post Comment Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about? Get in the know on Visit Billboard Pro for music business news