How Ann Wilson Became Disturbed’s First Guest Singer on a Studio Album
Disturbed had never put a guest singer on a studio album when David Draiman reached out to Ann Wilson. He had a song in mind that became “Don’t Tell Me,” a duet on the band’s 2022 album Divisive.
Draiman told Audacy that he had to work up the nerve to ask Wilson on Twitter. Sending her the song was just as daunting. Wilson already knew Disturbed’s version of “The Sound of Silence,” which she and her husband had enjoyed.
The recording opens with Draiman. By the time Wilson takes a verse of her own, the same melody carries a different weight. She gives the words space to linger, and the song makes room for both singers when they come together.
On the official YouTube video, one listener described Wilson as having a voice for three generations. Another singled out the fit between her voice and Draiman’s. That blend is easy to hear in the chorus, where both singers remain recognisable.
The band released the song on Divisive in 2022 and later put out a video built around the two performances. Its spare visuals give each singer room to carry their side of the exchange.
The official album audio brings their phrasing into focus. Disturbed’s “The Sound of Silence” also belongs alongside it, since that was the recording Wilson knew before the invitation arrived.
