Australia’s affinity with Irish superstar Ronan Keating continues with the release of his highly anticipated album Duet, a collection of collaborations with world-class vocalists, including a selection of our finest local talent. Duet is an Australia/New Zealand-exclusive release, and Ronan’s reward to his devoted local fans.

Ronan says, “I have an amazing relationship with Australia and New Zealand. You have welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of your own and for that I thank you. So, I thought I would put an album together especially for you! On this record I have had the chance to work with some of your best and it has been an inspiration.”

Ronan first achieved global fame in the mid 1990s with his vocal group Boyzone, who were a triumphant success with massive hits such as Love Me For A Reason, Words and No Matter What, scoring an incredible run of 18 Top 3 hits in the UK, including 6 Number Ones.

Ronan launched his stellar solo career in 1999, and instantly established himself as a respected songwriter and vocalist, amassing hits like When You Say Nothing At All, Life Is A Rollercoaster, and Lovin’ Each Day. Ronan was later recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the only artist in history to have achieved 30 consecutive Top 10 hits in the UK, beating the likes of Elvis Presley and Madonna.  

Following last year’s heartfelt chart-topping collection Songs For My Mother, Ronan was selected to be a mentor and judge on Australia’s hit television series X Factor. Ronan says, “The experience has been incredible. Discovering and nurturing talent in Australia has been more rewarding than I could have ever dreamed of.”

During his stay in Australia, Ronan decided to put together his latest album Duet, which, released on November 12, contains stunning collaborations with some of his favourite local and international artists.

Ronan says, “This project is incredibly close to my heart. I’ve hand-picked each of these songs, and I feel so blessed to have worked with so many gifted vocalists on the album. The thrill of collaborating with these singers definitely shines through.”

The first single Believe Again, written by Ronan and featuring Paulini, is released on November 5, and has already been a European Number One smash hit for Danish pop sensation Brinck. Ronan says, “The arrangement on our version of Believe Again sounds great and Paulini’s vocals are world class.”

Elsewhere on Duet, Ronan collaborates with fellow countryman Brian McFadden on the timeless Bee Gees classic To Love Somebody, with country superstar Lee Kernaghan on The Long Goodbye, and with fellow X Factor judge and friend Guy Sebastian on The Three Muskateers theme song All For Love. Ronan says, “Working with these guys in the studio was effortless, and a real joy.”

The 12 track album also features songs with Australia’s country trio The McClymonts, New Zealand artists Hayley Westenra and Adeaze, new Island Records signing Marvin Priest, along with international artists Cat Stevens, Lulu, LeAnn Rimes and Elton John.

Producer Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Pink, Ronan, Boyzone) was at the helm for the majority of the album, which was recorded at the iconic Sydney studio 301.