Spanish Superstar Alejandro Sanz Signs to Universal Music Group

MIAMI, Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Spain's global superstar, Alejandro Sanz, has signed an exclusive, long-term recording agreement with Universal Music Group, the world's leading Music Company.

Alejandro Sanz is among the most popular, celebrated artists of the past decades, whose worldwide career encompasses multi-platinum record sales, concert tours seen by millions on three continents, and a cavalcade of awards – including the Latin Grammy for Album of the Year three times, more than any other artist.

"My new home is Universal," said Sanz.  "I face up to this new phase in my life with all my might and I am confident that we're going to make big things happen."

Alejandro Sanz has achieved album sales of more than 20 million since his recording career began more than 20 years ago, including 1997's "Mas," which sold more than 5 million copies worldwide.  He has been recognized with dozens of accolades, including 16 Latin Grammys, 2 Grammys, and a World Music Award for biggest-selling Spanish artist worldwide.  Among the stars with whom Sanz has performed or recorded are Alicia Keys, Juanes, The Corrs, Shakira , Joaquin Sabina, Miguel Bose, Antonio Carmona, Alexandre Pires, Lena, Ivete Sangalo, Paolo Vallesi, Destiny's Child, Daniela Mercury, Juan Luis Guerra, Malu, David Bisbal, Marc Anthony and Francisco Cespedes.  In 2001 he was the first Spanish artist to record an "Unplugged" album for MTV.

The new agreement was signed Feb. 11 in Miami, where Sanz was joined by Max Hole, Chief Operating Officer, Universal Music Group International; Jesus Lopez, Chairman/CEO, Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula; and Fabrice Benoit, President, Universal Music Iberian Peninsula.

Alejandro Sanz will soon begin recording his Universal Music debut album. It follows 2009's multi-platinum "Paraiso Express," which topped charts in Spain, Mexico and the U.S., including Billboard's Top Latin Albums.

"After 20 memorable years of my career with my former label," commented Alejandro Sanz, "our roads must come to an end.  It has been an honor to have shared with them my greatest memories and a career full of success.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

"I have made this decision fully convinced that we're going to confront new challenges with the hope, dedication and competitiveness which characterizes the Universal Music team.  I have so many things to share:  the music, the passion."

Jesus Lopez said, "Alejandro Sanz is artistically the utmost symbol of his generation.  Over the past 20 years, he has become the finest ambassador of Spain's musical culture to the world, uniting fans of all ages and social types.  His influence in Hispanic culture is the model for many of his contemporaries, and for succeeding generations, too.

"All of us at Universal Music are extremely honored that Alejandro is becoming part of our family, and we feel a huge sense of pride and responsibility in collaborating to further expand his already astonishing career."

Max Hole commented, "Alejandro is one of the true greats of Spanish music as singer, writer and performer.  In addition, he is to be admired for his social work and for speaking up for copyright.  We are looking forward to working with him and his manager, Rosa Lagarrigue, on the next phase of this remarkable career – and having hits together over the next 20 years!"

Fabrice Benoit said, "It's an honor for the team at Universal Music Spain to be able to work with such a prestigious, complete artist as Alejandro Sanz.  Without doubt, he is No. 1."

Alejandro Sanz concluded, "I want to give special thanks to Jesus Lopez.  He knows me, and he fought to bring me home.  Thank you for the enthusiasm and for the confidence.  Let's move full speed ahead – let's go for it all!"

SOURCE Universal Music Group