Vivendi SA’s Universal Music Group will record and market the stars of a new television talent show, “The Voice of America,” to premiere on NBC this spring.
The show, created by
“Big Brother” founder John de Mol, recently aired in the Netherlands as “The Voice of Holland” and exceeded viewership of the local versions of “Idol,” “The X Factor” and “Holland’s Got Talent,” Universal Music said in a statement today.
Faced with online piracy and a drop in album sales, record companies are inking deals with television as popular music talent shows such as “Idol” and “The X Factor” generate artists who appeal to mass audiences. Universal, which represents Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey and Rihanna, will record and promote stars emerging from “The Voice Of …” series around the world, except for Holland and Belgium.
Bloomberg
