SONY MUSIC Takes A Hit, AMERICAL IDOL Moves to Universal

MUSIC NEWS - Simon Fuller's powerhouse 19 Management firm announced on Tuesday it is signing up with Universal Music Group as the label for artists in future seasons of American Idol, dumping Sony Music after nine seasons.

The new deal has Universal marketing and distributing albums from American Idol finalists and from the  winning contestants starting with the 10th season of the top rated TV show, the first season without judge Simon Cowell. Universal will distribute the releases on its Interscope Geffen A&M label.

The announcement is the first major music deal for Universal Music under the leadership of its new chief executive Lucian Grainge.

It's bad news for Sony, as the TV show has guaranteed Sony Music's RCA label a steady run of hits from past winners, top artists such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. 19 Entertainment said American Idol has sold over 100 million music units in North America.

"I wanted to inject some new power and weight behind our brand," said Fuller in a statement. "We have been quietly delivering hits relentlessly for 9 seasons and Lucian Grainge and (Interscope chairman) Jimmy Iovine's ambition, commitment, and determination to push the boundaries and go even further with Idol was very compelling."

Universal is working to rekindle new interest in the show by involving more of its current artists to work closely with the Idol brand next season, such as performing duets with  contestants. The label is also hoping to bring some of the new artists to its other properties such as online music video site Vevo. and with liscensing deals with its Bravado division.