Motown icon Smokey Robinson has signed with Verve Music Group (part of Universal) and is to release his 29th record, an album of duets, this autumn.

Robinson, who founded The Miracles, made a surprise appearance on American Idol last weekend to mentor the contestants as they performed Motown hits. Universal's David Foster called his contributions to the world of music a 'miracle' and Robinson said he was looking forward to the collaboration.