98º and Katrina Velarde Rekindle the Romance with a Fresh Take on “I Do (Cherish You)”—Just in Time for Wedding Season
Think February is too early to start thinking about summer weddings? Ask a caterer. Better yet, ask 98º, who are looking ahead to the season of love with a freshly re-recorded and digitally remastered version of their classic “I Do (Cherish You).”
Seeing release in plenty of time to be incorporated into a planet’s worth of nuptial plans, the new recording offers a contemporary take on the timeless classic that was a worldwide smash in 1999. Group members Nick Lachey, Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Justin Jeffre are in better voice than ever as they revisit their swoony slow-jam pledge to love us from the depths of their soul, in a way that’s beyond their control.
“I’ve waited so long to say this to you,” they declare, in a statement that has even more romantic heft than it did 26 years ago. “If you’re asking, do I love you this much? I do.”
Get ready to replace the revered original with this utterly timely update on your wedding playlist … or your engagement playlist, or just whatever personal listening log you’re keeping close to your heart. Come to think of it, set aside two places, because there’s an accompanying second version with guest vocals by Filipino star Katrina Velarde that you’re going to … well, cherish just as much. Velarde takes over the second verse and joins the boys on the second chorus, singing in her native Tagalog to give the true-blue sentiment an extra helping of cross-cultural oomph.
This new way of saying “I Do” is a tantalizing teaser for 98º’s upcoming album, Full Circle. Due May 9—just in time for the group’s 30th anniversary—the record marries five brand new songs with five re-recorded, digitally mastered versions of their greatest hits. Collaborating with the quartet on the album is an impressive lineup of acclaimed producers and songwriters, including Soulshock & Karlin (Whitney Houston, Usher, Sting), Alex Cantrell (Jojo, Beenie Man, Fantasia) Noah Conrad (Chappell Roan, BTS, Niall Horan), and Dave Aude (Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Madonna). The project is executive-produced by Multi-platinum and Diamond Award winner Adam H. Hurstfield (Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Super Junior) and mixed by five-time Grammy winner Orlando Calzada (Beyoncé, One Direction), with mastering by three-time Grammy winner Chris Gehringer (Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Harry Styles), and continued management by Johnny Wright of Wright Entertainment Group.
When it comes to marking career milestones, 98º has a lot to draw on. They’ve sold over 15 million albums worldwide and snagged four Top 5 Billboard hits, including “I Do (Cherish You),” “The Hardest Thing,” “Because of You” and their No. 1 collaboration with Mariah Carey, “Thank God I Found You.” In all, they’ve had eight Top 20 hit singles in the U.S. alone. Their albums have achieved gold or platinum status in over 60 countries and amassed over one billion streams across all platforms. Their beloved holiday album, 98º This Christmas, has sold over two million copies, solidifying its place as one of the most successful Christmas albums of all time.
Recognized as one of the most significant vocal groups in the history of pop, 98º has been honored with nominations in the Grammy Awards, the Billboard Music Awards (Top Pop Artist), the Billboard Video Awards (three times), the Teen Choice Awards (six times, including one win) and the Kids’ Choice Awards. In addition to their landmark duet with Mariah Carey—and their new team-up with Velarde— they’ve collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Usher, and Janine Teñoso.
Now, with one set of eyes on the past and another on the future, this four-man musical phenomenon is building on their mighty achievements while pointing toward something even greater. Coming Full Circle means entering a whole new era of harmony and dedication. And you can take that to the bank. Because a quarter-century later, 98º still haven’t broken a promise.