In an unexpected yet delightful collaboration, music legends Juan Luis Guerra and Sting have teamed up to release a new version of the classic 'Estrellitas y Duendes.' Originally featured on Guerra's iconic 1990 album Bachata Rosa, this song returns with a fresh twist: Sting, who sings entirely in Spanish, brings his unique flair to the heartfelt track.

Sting expressed his admiration for Guerra's lyrical prowess, stating, "Juan Luis’ lyrics in ‘Estrellitas y Duendes’ are a master class in what one might call romantic magical realism. I had to try to sing them exactly as they were written because they’re impeccable." Despite acknowledging that his Spanish pronunciation may not be perfect, Sting emphasized the genuine spirit in which he approached the song.

Guerra was pleasantly surprised by Sting's dedication to singing in Spanish, especially considering the complexity of the song's metaphorical language. "We recorded remotely, and what stood out to me the most is that he wanted to record it all in Spanish," Guerra shared. "It’s a somewhat challenging song, and he did it impressively well."

The new version of 'Estrellitas y Duendes' maintains the original's elegant and evocative instrumentation, but it's Sting's voice that opens with the romantic line: "Viviré en tu recuerdo como un simple aguacero de estrellitas y duendes." From there, the duo shares verses in a harmonious exchange, creating a beautiful blend of their distinctive musical styles.

This is not the first time the two have joined forces. In 2006, they shared a stage in the Dominican Republic to perform Sting's 'Fragile.' A decade and a half later, as Guerra was working on an album of reimagined versions, Sting was suggested as a collaborator. The singer eagerly agreed to lend his voice to this beloved track.

Sting recalls being encouraged by his manager, Martin Kierszenbaum, a fellow admirer of Guerra’s work. They recorded Sting’s part at Night Bird Studios in Los Angeles, a process that took place a couple of years ago. The duo finally met in person recently to shoot their music video in New York.

Both artists boast illustrious careers. Juan Luis Guerra, a titan in Latin music, holds three Grammy Awards and 31 Latin Grammys. Sting, celebrated both solo and as the frontman of The Police, has amassed 17 Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades. Their collaboration in 'Estrellitas y Duendes' stands as a testament to their enduring artistry and mutual respect.

Originally released in 1990 under Karen Records, Bachata Rosa dominated the charts, with 'Estrellitas y Duendes' reaching No. 3 on the Hot Latin Songs. The recent rendition serves as a beautiful homage to the song's timeless appeal and the artists' unyielding passion for music.

“Estrellitas y Duentes” ft. Sting Courtesy

Juan Luis Guerra and Sting’s version of 'Estrellitas y Duendes' can now be enjoyed by fans worldwide, offering a touching example of cross-cultural collaboration at its finest.