Global music icons Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Hudson have joined forces to record "One Right Here," an original song for the soundtrack of the upcoming biographical drama Maserati: The Brothers. Penned by the prolific and 17-time Oscar-nominated songwriter Diane Warren, the track is set to be released by Decca Records to digital service providers on Friday, October 2. The song is currently available for pre-saving via a dedicated link.
The cinematic endeavor, Maserati: The Brothers, chronicles the remarkable story of the Maserati family and their establishment of the iconic luxury automobile manufacturer. The film is slated for its theatrical premiere in Italy on October 15. Boasting a star-studded cast, the movie features Academy Award winners Sir Anthony Hopkins and Al Pacino, alongside Andy Garcia, Jessica Alba, Michele Morrone, and Salvatore Esposito.
A Dream Collaboration: Warren’s Vision for "One Right Here"
Diane Warren, a songwriting powerhouse known for her ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads, expressed her deep satisfaction with the collaboration. "I wrote the song with Andrea Bocelli in mind," Warren stated in a released statement. "It’s always been a dream of mine to have Andrea sing one of my songs, and when he was interested, it was amazing. Then I thought, what if we brought Jennifer Hudson into it? They come from two different musical worlds, but together they created this world of beauty. It turned out even better than I imagined, and I really believe this is one of the best songs — and one of the best melodies — I’ve ever written."
This marks Warren’s fifth collaboration with Hudson, adding to their impressive musical partnership. For Bocelli, it represents his debut collaboration with the celebrated songwriter. The fusion of Bocelli’s unparalleled operatic tenor with Hudson’s soulful, powerhouse vocals promises a unique and captivating listening experience.
The Maserati Legacy and Cinematic Aspirations
The film Maserati: The Brothers is directed by Bobby Moresco, an Academy Award winner for Best Original Screenplay for the critically acclaimed film Crash. The production is helmed by Andrea Iervolino, an Italian-Canadian film producer, entrepreneur, and businessman, known for his contributions to international cinema.
Iervolino shared his enthusiasm for the musical pairing, emphasizing its significance for the film. "Having Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Hudson together on the same track is a dream come true," Iervolino remarked in a statement. "Andrea is one of the greatest voices Italy has ever given to the world: he represents elegance, passion, and authenticity. Jennifer is an exceptional artist, capable of moving audiences every time she steps on a stage or in front of a camera. The interpretive power of their voices will give the film an ending of tremendous emotional intensity." He also extended his gratitude to Warren, recognizing her as "a true songwriting legend in the world of music. Her talent for turning emotions into timeless songs is unique."
The release of "One Right Here" comes on the heels of another significant film song contribution from Warren. Just three weeks prior, news emerged of her song for By Any Means, performed by David Kushner and The Isley Brothers. Both of these new compositions are being submitted for consideration in the Best Original Song category at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Oscar Buzz and Historical Parallels
The prospect of both Warren’s contributions receiving Oscar nominations in the same year is a notable development. While Warren has secured 17 Oscar nominations to date, she has never had two songs nominated in a single awards cycle. The last songwriter to achieve this feat was Lionel Richie in 1986, who earned nominations for "Say You, Say Me" from White Nights (which he won) and for co-writing "Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)" from The Color Purple.
The trend of successful Oscar-contending songs featuring artist collaborations is also evident this year. Both of Warren’s recent film songs, "One Right Here" and the track for By Any Means, are duets. This follows a pattern seen in her previous nominated works, including "Music of My Heart" from Music of the Heart (performed by Gloria Estefan and NSYNC) and "Stand Up for Something" from Marshall* (performed by Andra Day and Common).
Jennifer Hudson’s Recurring Role in Warren’s Oscar Campaigns
Should the duet featuring Bocelli and Hudson secure an Oscar nomination, it would mark a significant personal milestone for Hudson. It would be the second time she has performed one of Diane Warren’s best original song nominees on a film’s soundtrack. Previously, Hudson delivered a powerful rendition of "I’ll Fight" from the documentary RBG, a performance that earned her an Academy Award. This potential nomination would position Hudson as the first artist to have performed two of Warren’s nominated songs.
Both Bocelli and Hudson have prior experience performing nominated songs at the Academy Awards telecast. Bocelli famously performed "The Prayer" from Quest for Camelot with Celine Dion in 1999. Hudson, an EGOT winner, has also graced the Oscar stage multiple times. In 2007, she performed a medley of nominated songs from Dreamgirls alongside co-stars Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose, and Keith Robinson. Her performance of "I’ll Fight" in 2019 further solidified her connection to the prestigious awards ceremony.
The Enduring Appeal of Cinematic Soundtracks
The collaboration between Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Hudson on "One Right Here" underscores the continued importance of original music in film. The integration of powerful vocal performances with compelling narratives often elevates a movie’s emotional impact and broadens its cultural reach. Diane Warren’s consistent ability to pen songs that resonate with audiences and critics alike positions "One Right Here" as a strong contender in the awards season landscape. The Maserati brothers’ story, set to be brought to life by a distinguished cast and enhanced by this evocative soundtrack, promises to be a significant cinematic event. The pairing of Bocelli and Hudson, two artists celebrated for their distinct yet complementary vocal talents, adds an extra layer of anticipation for this powerful new release.
