Il Divo to release 5th album

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Il Divo is finishing up its fifth album and planning a worldwide tour to support it early next year, representatives for the pop-opera group said Tuesday.

"The Promise" is set to drop Nov. 18.

Live Nation announced Tuesday that it has signed a global touring agreement with Il Divo, who will be starting their worldwide tour in February 2009.

The deal also gives Live Nation exclusive rights to the group's merchandise, tour sponsorships, fan club and VIP/travel packages, the live music company said.

"Il Divo have the best of both worlds; Simon Cowell, Syco and SonyBMG to continue producing their records and help guide their careers, and now Live Nation to handle their touring activities," Peter Rudge, Il Divo's manager from Octagon, said in a statement. "This new Live Nation deal was the result of great work from our team including our agents John Giddings from Solo and David Zedeck from CAA, with the support of our music partners at Syco and SonyBMG."

"People might be surprised by this album," added tenor David Miller. "Our goal was to approach it with fresh ears and fresh spirits, and try some different things. We've still got all the cannons and fireworks, but there is more range, different dynamics, more light and shade, more color. It's a more complete album."