Simon Cowell's American Idol departure may also result in the end of the show's relationship with its recording label partner.
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American Idol creator Simon Fuller has been begun contacting record labels about becoming the show's new recording partner, the New York Post reported Monday.
While an exact date could reportedly not be confirmed, a source told the Post that Sony Music's recording agreement with American Idol's 19 Entertainment production company expired at the conclusion of this year's ninth Idol edition, Cowell's last with the show.
Sony Music has served as American Idol's recording partner since the reality competition's first season when Cowell, a recording executive with Sony BMG, the company's predecessor, began serving as part of its judging panel.
Sony had been set to lose the recording rights beginning with the show's fifth season in 2006, but ended up remaining Idol's recording partner when Cowell signed a 2005 Fox deal which kept him with American Idol through its ninth season. As part of the deal, Fox agreed to pay 19 Entertainment $5 million a season for Sony to remain Idol's designated record label.
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Fuller and Sony representatives told the Post they had no comment on the negotiations.
Even if it loses its Idol partnership, Sony Music will continue releasing albums produced by Fox reality competition contestants. The company is a partner in Cowell's Syco entertainment production company, which is producing his new American adaptation of The X Factor for Fox.
About The Author: Steven Rogers