Updated! News Round-up: Cher's New Album

As the release of Cher's new single slowly approaches us, I (once again) take a look at details of her upcoming album.

Cher's new album, which is currently planned for release in early 2012, will be her 25th solo studio album. It will be her first since 2001's Gold-certified 'Living Proof'.

The star has reportedly been working with Timbaland, Diane Warren, J-Roc, Jason Derülo, RedOne and Lady Gaga for the album.

One track which has been widely publicised is the album's lead single, 'The Greatest Thing'. Written by Lady Gaga and produced by RedOne, the mid-tempo ballad was originally set for release in September, according to Cher. She revealed that she sings the first verse, whilst Gaga sings the second and they sing the chorus together.

A video for the single has not yet been confirmed. When asked about it, Cher said, "Video? No word yet! Maybe in pipeline but I haven't heard."

Timbaland has confirmed that he has been working on multiple new songs for Cher. Cher recently revealed that she had received a "hot" demo song from Timbaland.

Months ago, the successful music producer revealed on Twitter that he was working on projects for Cher, and for Ne-Yo. He spoke about the Cher songs, saying that they "Are comin out dope". He went on to thank colleagues Keithin Pittman and Jim Beanz, who were both involved in the making of the tracks.

Beanz is signed to 'Timbaland Productions' and is said to be currently working alongside Timbaland as a vocal producer, and more recently, as a song writer.

Someone else who is signed to 'Timbaland Productions' and is confirmed to be working on the album is music producer J-Roc.

Real name Jerome Harmom, J-Roc confirmed to 'Weerai Music' that he would be co-producing Cher's new album. Though he is best known for producing pop, R&B and Hip-Hop, he described his new tracks with Cher as "high energy dance music".

R&B star Jason Derülo recently announced his involvement on the album. He told 'BANG Showbiz,' "I just wrote a song for Cher which she will be performing. It's a mid tempo club tune so I'm really excited about it." Derülo has had several huge hits since his debut in 2009, such as the US #1 hit "Whatcha Say", the UK #1 hits "In My Head", "Don't Wanna Go Home" and the massive hit "Ridin' Solo".

The exact genre of the new Cher album has changed repeatedly. Cher stated years ago that she would release an album of 1960's covers. When that never happened, it was later believed that her new album would be a rock album. This then changed to country. Although sources indicate the new album will now be a dance album, the ballad genre of the first single indicates the album may feature multiple genres.

Several sources have highlighted songwriter Diane Warren's involvement on the album. Of course, Warren has worked with Cher on many occasions. In fact, she has received songwriting credits on every Cher studio album since 1987's 'Cher,' with the one exception being 1995's 'It's A Man's World' (which hosted mainly male songwriters, hence the title).

Warren is most prolific in Cher's career as the songwriter of hits 'If I Could Turn Back Time', 'Love & Understanding', 'Save Up All Your Tears' and co-songwriter of 'Just Like Jesse James'. She recently received a Golden Globe Award as the songwriter of the 2010 Cher song 'You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me'.

Cher has begun recording the album. Vocals for "The Greatest Thing" were finished in August and Cher recently travelled to London in a plan to record three tracks for the album.

A 2012 world tour has been speculated, supposedly in support of the album. In fact, Cher has repeatedly suggested that a tour may take place. When asked about a tour, the star simply replied, "I will try but the road is a bitch".