In honor of Mamma Mia, Cher is releasing an album of ABBA covers, and what a time to be alive

ABBA’s greatest hits are about to get Cher-ified. Inspired by her role in Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again, the iconic performer revealed she is dedicating an entire album to covers of the legendary Swedish group’s biggest hits.

Cher revealed her grand master plan in an interview alongside Mamma Mia! producer Judy Craymer on the Today show. She told Kathie Lee Gifford that the idea came to her after recording her cover of “Fernando” for the jukebox musical sequel. Looking coyly at Craymer, she dropped her bombshell news, revealing, “After I did ‘Fernando,’ I thought it would be really be fun to do an album of ABBA songs. So I did.”

But, of course, while the songs may be ABBA originals, the singer said she’s putting her own legendary Cher twist on them. Of what to expect from the album, the “Believe” singer added, “It’s not what you think of when you think ABBA because I did it in a different way.” Yes, Cher truly is the iconic gift that keeps on giving.

The Academy Award-winning actress joins the original Mamma Mia! cast in the whimsical sequel as Ruby Sheridan, Donna Sheridan’s (Meryl Streep) estranged mother and grandmother to Sophie (Amanda Seyfried). In addition to her rousing cover of “Fernando” with fellow new addition Andy Garcia — who just so happens to play a character named Fernando — she joins the rest of the cast for a performance of “Super Trouper.”

If, for some ungodly reason, you’re not convinced Cher’s upcoming ABBA cover album is the best idea since Cher’s decision to do Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again, give “Fernando” a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQd5wfy-gCc?feature=oembed

Fingers crossed “Super Trouper” and “Fernando” reappear on her album…alongside the likes of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” and, of course, “Mamma Mia.”

In addition to her return to the big screen in Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again, the singer is also bringing a musical about her life to Broadway later this year. Since she’s only a Tony short of an EGOT, we can’t wait to see The Cher Show — which better complete her award quartet. The show will feature Cher classics, including “If I Could Turn Back Time” and the Sonny and Cher staple “I Got You Babe.”

Here’s a clip from the Today interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-KMgR39Eck?feature=oembed

While Cher hasn’t announced a release date for her ABBA album, late last month, she revealed on Twitter she’d be releasing an album in September. ABBA covers or not, we’re so excited for Cher to be back in the studio. Hopefully, this album leads to another Farewell Tour.