Blige, Muppets sing on Bocelli's next CD

NEW YORK, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Andrea Bocelli's upcoming CD, "My Christmas," will feature duets with Mary J. Blige, Natalie Cole, Reba McEntire and The Muppets, Decca Label Group said.

Also appearing on the Italian tenor's forthcoming album are The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Katherine Jenkins.

The CD, which is to go on sale Nov. 28, will include holiday standards such as "White Christmas," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "What Child is This."

Bocelli's label said he is also gearing up for a string of holiday concerts in the United States, kicking off in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 28.

Additional stateside promotional activities around the release of "My Christmas" will also include high-profile TV appearances, as well as a public television special named for the album and to air nationally this holiday season.

"Andrea's heart-warming new CD, coupled with his special live concerts are destined to make 'My Christmas' the ultimate holiday musical event of the year," Decca said in a release. "Both will feature traditional carols and favorites in English, with a few selections also featuring Italian and German. The lush, beautiful arrangements and Andrea's unmistakable vocals both on disc and on stage are unmatched."

The record company said Bocelli has sold more than 60 millions albums to date.