October 29, 2009

By By Richard Smirke, London

George Michael has signed a deal with Universal's Island Records for a one-off Christmas single.

"December Song" will be released digitally Dec. 13 in the United Kingdom, with a physical release following one day later. International release dates are yet to be released.

However, it's not a brand-new song. The festive track, which was co-written with Michael's long-time collaborator David Austin, was originally released as a free download on the artist's website in December last year.

According to a statement issued by Michael's spokesperson, the forthcoming Island release will be a new version of the original recording.

The one-off single release follows the fulfilment of Michael's recording contract with Sony Music. Sony Music Entertainment will, however, release a live DVD Dec. 7 entitled "Live In London" -- recorded over the course of two concerts that took place last year at London's Earls Court arena as part of the singer's "25 Live" world tour.

Michael has sold more than 100 million records globally, according to his spokesperson, scoring 11 U.K. No. 1 singles, eight British No. 1 albums and 10 U.S. No. 1 singles.

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