Yes, you read that correctly: Ivy Queen tackled a classic song by Rocío Dúrcal. On Friday (Nov. 25), the Puerto Rican icon released a music video performing the song “Ya Te Olvidé” alongside pianist Arthur Hanlon.
As one of the top pianists, Hanlon is known for collaborating with Latine artists and bringing Latine music into that scene. In 2019, he teamed up with Cuban group Orishas for the song “Como Suena El Piano.” Last year, Hanlon filmed the HBO Max special Piano y Mujer where he recorded new versions of classic songs alongside Latina artists. The first installment featured ChocQuibTown’s Goyo, Kany García, Evaluna Montaner, and Venezuelan singer Nella.
This month, Hanlon released Piano y Mujer II for HBO Max. One of the women he teamed up with this time around was Ivy Queen. The reggaeton pioneer decided to show a different side to her artistry by recording one of Dúrcal’s songs with Hanlon. She chose to cover the Spanish singer’s kiss-off anthem “Ya Te Olvidé.” Ivy Queen’s voice soars as she sings about moving on from a breakup. She dug deep to capture the emotion behind the empowering ballad. Alongside Hanlon, Ivy Queen also recorded a bachata version of her song “La Vida Es Así” for the TV special.
“A piano and a female voice are the ideal combination,” Hanlon said in a statement. “When we recorded the first ‘Piano y Mujer,’ we were looking to make beautiful, meaningful music, especially in the middle of the pandemic. The fact that the project resonated so strongly that HBO and Sony decided to release ‘Part II’ is a testament to the beauty of the music, but also, to the power of cultural connection. Everyone featured is so different, we all represent different countries and cultures, and yet, we all make wonderful music together.”
Hanlon’s Piano y Mujer II also includes collaborations with Ha*Ash, Lupita Infante, Debi Nova, and Monsieur Periné’s Catalina García. The TV special is now streaming on HBO Max. The Piano y Mujer II album was released on Friday.
Watch Ivy Queen’s cover of “Ya Te Olvidé” below.
