Gloria Estefan to Release New Album Via Target Partnership

After spending most of her career signed to Sony labels, Gloria Estefan is taking a completely different direction with her new album, which will be released Sept. 27 as an exclusive partnership with Target, Billboard.biz has learned.

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Little Miss Havana, Estefan's first English-language album since 2003, will be sold via a worldwide distribution and marketing deal with Verve Forecast & Universal Music Group. In the U.S., the physical album will be carried only by Target, while the digital album will be sold exclusively in iTunes. The Target album will include four bonus songs and exclusive access to downloadable content. Unlike most Latin releases, which are available in specific Targets located in areas with heavy Hispanic traffic, Miss Little Havana will be available in all Targets nationwide and on Target.com.

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The album, produced by Pharrell Williams and co-produced by Estefan, is an up-tempo set that marks a return to the singer's dance roots. The Target deluxe edition features four bonus tracks produced by Emilio Estefan, including a remix of the lead single, "WEPA," featuring Pitbull. The release of Little Miss Havana also coincides with the 25th anniversary of Estefan's hit "Conga," and those who buy the album can download a 25th anniversary remix of the track.

Estefan, who received the Spirit of Hope Award at the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Awards, is one of only a handful of high-profile Latin act to deviate from a traditional major-label release after spending so many years signed to a major. Earlier this summer, singer/songwriter Ricardo Arjona announced he would release his new album, Independiente, on his own label. He has since signed a distribution agreement with his former label, Warner. His set is due Oct. 3.