Laura Pausini released Yo Canto (Io Canto in Italian) back in 2006, a remarkable album featuring covers of iconic Italian pop classics. It was a transcontinental hit in both its Italian and Spanish versions.

Now, nearly two decades later, the Italian superstar is revisiting that winning formula — and doubling down on it. Pausini has announced plans to record not one, but two follow-ups: Yo Canto 2 will be entirely in Spanish, featuring covers of beloved songs originally written and performed by Latin American and Spanish artists, while Io Canto 2 will focus on a repertoire originally recorded in Italian, her native language.

When Pausini kicks off her world tour in 2026, she’ll sing in Spanish for audiences in Spain and Latin America, and in Italian in other European countries. “I’m essentially making two albums in one, with more than 40 songs,” Pausini explained during a conversation with Billboard from a studio in Rome. “It’s the first time I’ve done the same concept for two albums, but with two completely different sets of repertoire.”

There’s one tangible bridge between the two albums, though: first single “Mi historia entre tus dedos” (or “La Mia Storia Tra le Dita”), which drops on Friday (September 12) was originally written and recorded by Italian singer-songwriter Gianluca Grignani in 1994. The track was a massive hit in both Italy and Latin America, thanks to its versions in Spanish and Italian and has remained a staple across continents.

Pausini first heard the song while watching Grignani perform at the 1994 Sanremo Music Festival on TV. “It immediately struck a chord with me,” she shared. “But over the years, I realized that this song continued to resonate deeply within me. So much so, that I told Gianluca that musically and emotionally, it feels like it was written for me.” In fact, the song has become one of Pausini’s go-to picks for karaoke parties, especially on her birthday. “Every time I sing it with my friends, they say, ‘This sounds like it’s yours.’”

“Mi historia entre tus dedos” was originally supposed to be part of Yo Canto in 2006, but Pausini ultimately decided to save it for another time. In the years since, she’s recorded more of Grignani’s music, including the previously unreleased “Antes de irte” in 2009. “He’s a very beloved songwriter and has always been so sweet with me. He’s always been present,” Pausini said of Grignani. “I really enjoy paying tribute to people who are also my friends.”

Pausini’s take on “Mi historia entre tus dedos” is bolder than the original, with elements of rock and electronic and bold vocals. She delivers the song with confidence rather than nostalgia, using her distinctive voice to pack a punch. “I wish it had been mine from the start,” she admitted with a laugh. “But honestly, there were three or four moments in my life where I lived that story,” she said, referring to the song’s lyrics.

The song’s universal appeal is undeniable — it’s even inspired other recent covers, including a more stylized version by Matteo Bocelli. “He’s from another generation, but we share the same taste,” Pausini said. “I didn’t know his version was coming out at the same time, but I don’t think it’s a problem. That song has had many covers. It’s touched the hearts and vocal cords of so many artists.” And now, it’s reaching even more generations.

Pausini’s 12-year-old daughter heard the song for the first time in her mom’s voice. “I realized right then and there that her whole generation of friends in Italy doesn’t know it,” she said. “And I felt so proud to have chosen it. Every generation I’ve known connects with this song they can’t help but embrace it.”