Opera star Katherine Jenkins has left Universal Classics & Jazz and entered into a worldwide deal with Warner Music Entertainment, a deal which is sort of 360 degree if I'm not mistaken. Well, 237 degrees probably. As well as recordings, Warner will work with Jenkins and her management company Bandana Management on non-recording projects, including online activity, sponsorship and merchandise.
As part of the deal a new Katherine Jenkins Webstore will be launched offering fans a one-stop-shop for tickets, merchandise and exclusive content. The first album to be released under the new deal will be produced by David Foster, who has previously worked with the likes of Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Seal and Celine Dion.
Confirming the new deal, Warner Music Europe top man John Reid said this: "Warner Music continues to evolve our partnerships with our acts, offering them an expanding menu of services and developing new ways for them to reach a wide spectrum of audiences. WME's ability to create diverse entertainment experiences for all formats and platforms across a range of genres makes the label the perfect home for Katherine's multifaceted, highly flexible talent. By more closely aligning the interests of artist and label we can take an holistic approach to building on her massive success and broadening her relationship with her ever-expanding global fan-base".
Reports circulating yesterday that the deal was worth $10 million have been denied by Warner insiders, while the major has also denied confirming the relationship will run for at least five albums, as was reported in some places.