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.

“OMG,” is the new single from the crooner’s newly released album “Raymond v. Raymond.”

Last week Usher was the guest mentor in American Idol Season 9 R&B/Soul episode. Dressed in black and silver,the singer moved through clouds of smoke and burning flames with his dancers to entertain the crowd, accompanied by Black Eyed Peas mastermind Will.I.Am singing his new track conveniently titled “OMG”.

For those who missed the show, here is his live performance of "OMG":

KC Concepcion, or Maria Kristina Cassandra Concepcion in real life and a Filipina actress, was born on April 7, 1985 to Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.

KC Concepcion’s new album "KC" is #2 at Astroplus/vision OPM charts & #3 over-all charts from Mar29-Apr4 while her music video for ‘Not Like The Movies’ is currently at #6 on Pinoy MYX Countdown!

Her album is under Sony Music and she wrote three of the 12 tracks namely “Magandang Umaga,” “Takip Silim” and “Worth The Wait” each of which talked about a different phase in a love story. KC co-produced with Jinno Mina, four tracks in her new CD. These are “Hulog,” “Naantig Ako Sa Yo,” “Girl Most Likely To” and “Tayo Na.” The assumption of the responsibility shows her growing confidence not only on commanding center stage but also behind the scenes as she herself maps out a trajectory all her own.

KC will be launching her new album at ASAP XV this Sunday, April 11 and will perform her carrier single ‘Not Like The Movies’. After ASAP, she will also appear at The BUZZ... so don't miss all the tv guestings of KC. Sony Music is in the thick of arranging KC’s mall tour in April and May

Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American recording artist and actress.

Do you still love Janet's music? Check out her new single, Nothing. The song is a single on the movie's soundtrack, and it was released on the same day that the movie "Why Did I Get Married?" was also released which will revolve around one-week reunion of four married couples in Bahamas. The movie is the latest from Tyler Perry and is directed by Tim Palen which offers visual effects using glasses walls and relies on close shots of Janet. Scenes from the movie, particularly that of Janet's Patricia, are intercepted.

"Nothing" is a song produced by Jermaine Dupri teaming up with top notch producer Bryan-Michael Cox. "We're still very close," Janet said on working with her ex. "I love Jermaine; he's just a kind soul, and I'm thankful we're friends." Picked as the lead single, it appears on the soundtrack album which will be released in the U.S. on April 27.