
Vocal quartet Il Divo gets busy in January with the North American release of a new album, and a supporting tour of the continent.
Titled "Ancora," the pop/opera group's sophomore release is scheduled to hit the U.S. on Jan. 24. Already on the shelves in Europe as of Monday (11/7), "Ancora" follows Il Divo's self-titled debut, which surfaced in April of this year.
Like its predecessor, the new disc finds the four singers covering a number of previously released works, such as Mariah Carey's "Hero" and Eric Carmen's "All By Myself," as well some original numbers, including "I Believe In You," which features guest vocalist Celine Dion.
The tour gets started with a Jan. 31 show in Connecticut, then touches down in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada as the group works its way west for a Feb. 26 finale in San Francisco. Details are included below.
Tickets for the U.S. and Canadian shows go on sale Monday (11/14), according to Il Divo's website.
Il Divo is the creation of "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, who conducted a two-year talent search that yielded four singers from four different countries: America's David Miller, France's Sebastien Izambard, Switzerland's Urs Buhler and Spain's Carlos Marin.
"I am actually intimidated and slightly in awe of their talent," the characteristically cantankerous Cowell said in a statement issued at the time "Il Divo" was released. "I am more proud of this album than anything else I've been involved with."
"Il Divo"--which includes covers of Toni Braxton's "Unbreak My Heart" and Frank Sinatra's signature tune "My Way"--sold about 146,000 copies during its first week in stores, and debuted at No. 4 on The Billboard 200 album chart.
Late last month, Il Divo issued a holiday set titled "The Christmas Collection."