Universal Music Group (UMG) has inked a new worldwide recording agreement with seven-time Grammy Award winner, Carrie Underwood.
The move represents a shake-up for one of country music’s biggest stars, who has been signed to Sony Music since her debut single Inside Your Heaven back in 2005.
Underwood’s label home will now be Capitol Records Nashville, one of four labels that form Universal Music Group Nashville.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group said, “I’m so thrilled that Carrie has decided to make Capitol Records Nashville and UMG her home globally.
“As a talented writer, recording artist, performer and actor, Carrie is that exceptionally rare artist who can do it all. I know I speak on behalf of our teams around the world when I say that we look forward to executing her creative vision and bringing her musical career to the next level.”
Mike Dungan, Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO shares, “Already a top tier force in country music, Carrie’s vast talents and creative bravery show that she is an artist who is prepared to take on a wide range of artistic challenges. We are excited for the future, and honored by her decision to make Universal Music Group her label partner in representing this worldwide superstar in the next phase of her career.”
UMG Nashville President, Cindy Mabe was part of the team who launched Underwood’s first album, the eight times platinum, Some Hearts.
“When I decided to take my position with Capitol Records in 2007, personally one of the hardest people for me to leave behind was Carrie Underwood,” said Mabe. “We were a team and I had the opportunity to watch her leave American Idol as a kid and mature into one of the most important artists with the most powerful voice in music.
“I’m so thrilled that Carrie has decided to make Capitol Records Nashville and UMG her home globally.”
Sir Lucian Grainge
“It was amazing to be a small part of that ride. I am so proud and humbled that she has chosen to sign with Universal Music Group Nashville and that we will once again join forces as she writes the next chapter of her soaring career as a global superstar of enormous integrity and talent.”
Underwood stated, “It’s so inspiring to me as an artist to feel this excited about the future. The incredible team at UMG shares the heart and passion I have for music as well as the drive, and their innovative spirit has shown that together the possibilities are endless.”
“I also want to be sure to thank every single person who has played a part in my recording career so far. I will be forever grateful to them for all we achieved together,” adds Underwood.
After winning American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood has gone on to sell 64 million records worldwide, and recorded 25 No.1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote.
Her catalogue of songs have been streamed more than 2.6 billion times worldwide.
All five of her studio albums, Some Hearts, Carnival Ride, Play On, Blown Away and Storyteller – are certified Platinum or multi-Platinum in the US, and each an American Music Awards winner as Favorite Country Album.
The RIAA’s highest certified country album artist to debut this century, Underwood also holds the distinction of the highest album certification of any country artist to emerge since 2000 with the 8x Multi-Platinum success of her 2005 debut, Some Hearts.
