SonyBMG have announced they are extending their relationship with Simon Cowell through his company Syco. Cowell has worked as an A&R for BMG for the best part of fifteen years, bringing the major a string of big selling artists, including Robson & Jerome, Five and Westlife. As Cowell himself became a celebrity through the Pop Idol TV show and its various spin offs, SonyBMG enjoyed the commercial rewards that came with signing the reality show's winners, in particular Will Young and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson.
In the new deal, SonyBMG will be involved in Cowell's music and TV ventures, maximising the potential of artists like Il Divo and the commercial opportunities that come out of the Syco produced reality show X Factor. In a related deal, SonyBMG has renewed its worldwide deal with Simon Fuller's 19 TV meaning it will continue to release the music of artists who come through the Pop Idol and American Idol machine.
Confirming the new deal, SonyBMG UK boss Rob Stringer told CMU: "Our partnership with Simon allows all of us at SonyBMG to share in endless exciting multi media opportunities over the coming years. At the heart of this remains Simon's unique A&R talent. We are excited to continue and build on our relationship".
Simon Cowell himself added: "BMG has been my home for the last 15 years. SonyBMG will be my home for the foreseeable future. I am incredibly excited to be working with one of the most talented and visionary companies in the world".