Sir Elton John and crooner Englebert Humperdinck have teamed up to record an unlikely duets album.

After giving veteran rocker and mentor Leon Russell's career a rebirth with last year's (11) The Union, the Rocket Man has now turned his attention to Humperdinck, 76, who is back in the spotlight after representing the United Kingdom in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest.

The new album, which the two stars are recording in Los Angeles, marks the first time they've worked together.

Humperdinck tells the Bbc, "This album is a true labour of love... I'm keeping most of it under my hat but was so excited about working with Elton, who I have admired ever since first hearing him, that I just couldn't keep it to myself."

And it seems Elton is enjoying the collaboration too, adding, "He (Humperdinck) is one of the sweetest and nicest people I have ever worked with."