Kelly Rowland Signs to Universal Motown Records

Universal Motown Records has signed Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter-television host-actress Kelly Rowland as a solo artist, it was announced today by Sylvia Rhone, President of Universal Motown Records.

“I think Kelly is an immensely talented, gracious, and beautiful woman, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with her on what’s turning out to be an amazing album,” said Ms. Rhone. “For an artist whose career began as a member of a landmark group like Destiny’s Child, Kelly has truly come into her own and I am deeply inspired by her incredible energy.”

“I could not be happier working with Sylvia Rhone and the entire Universal Motown staff,” stated Ms. Rowland. “They have really embraced me and have set me up to succeed. I decided, after careful thought, to sign with Universal Motown not only because of their track record of success, but also because they truly put their artists first.”

Kelly Rowland first rose to prominence in 1998 as a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the most successful groups of all time. In 2002, the Texas native launched her post-Destiny’s Child solo career with the release of her RIAA-gold certified debut album, Simply Deep, which reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. That same year, Ms. Rowland teamed up with Universal Motown hip-hop sensation Nelly for a duet called “Dilemma,” which appeared on his 2002 album, Nellyville. “Dilemma” topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and earned two Grammy nominations, including a win for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. In 2007, Kelly Rowland’s second solo album, Ms. Kelly, hit No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold more than 1.2 million copies worldwide.

Together with her recent move to Creative Artists Agency, a new management team in place, a new record label, and a worldwide No. 1 hit, “When Love Takes Over,” with acclaimed French dance producer David Guetta, Kelly Rowland is exerting full control over a dazzling career that has already produced millions of album sales, smash hit records, and numerous honors, including three Grammy Awards. Now hailed as the Queen of the Night, she is currently in the studio working on her hotly anticipated Universal Motown debut album, featuring the new international single “Commander,” with David Guetta, in addition to collaborations with Dr. Luke, Stargate, Salaam Remi, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, and Esther Dean.