Universal Music Publishing Group Signs American Idol Winner Kris Allen

LOS ANGELES, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the signing of an exclusive world-wide publishing agreement with American Idol winner Kris Allen. The publishing deal encompasses Kris Allen's self-titled album as well as future works during the term of the agreement.

"I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Monti Olson and the creative staff at Universal Music Publishing Group," said Kris Allen.

"I am proud that a songwriter of Kris' caliber would choose to make Universal Music Publishing Group his home. I look forward to the future with Kris," said Monti Olson, Senior Vice President, A&R, Universal Music Publishing Group.

Kris Allen's post-Idol self-titled album was released in November 2009 through Jive Records, hitting Top 20 on the Billboard 200 and Top 10 on Top Digital Albums. Kris collaborated with UMPG's The Script on his first single "Live Like We're Dying" and "Written All Over My Face."

Kris' path to victory on American Idol included memorable performances of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" and Kanye West's "Heartless." Kris was praised by the judges for his original arrangements of such well-known songs.

Managed by Stirling McIlwaine, Kris Allen joins UMPG's successful roster of artists including past Idol contestants the multi-platinum Chris Daughtry and new signing Jason Castro.

About Universal Music Publishing Group

With 51 offices in 43 territories worldwide, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is the industry's leading global music publishing operation. UMPG represents music in every genre from some of the world's hottest songwriters and catalogs including Abba, Adele, Christina Aguilera, Lily Allen, Beach Boys, Beastie Boys, Bjork, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Ciara, The Clash, Coldplay, Elvis Costello, The Cure, Daughtry, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Franz Ferdinand, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John/Bernie Taupin, Joy Division, Keane, R. Kelly, The Killers, Diana Krall, Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park, Henry Mancini, Maroon 5, Prince, Otis Redding, Sex Pistols, Paul Simon, Britney Spears, 3 Doors Down, Justin Timberlake, T-Pain, and U2, among many others. UMPG is also a global leader in the areas of Production Music, Christian and Classical Music. For more information please visit www.umusicpub.com.

SOURCE Universal Music Publishing Group