Sony loses 'American Idol' music rights

The music rights to Fox's "American Idol" are on the move.

Universal Music Group has won the rights from 19 Entertainment and "Idol" creator Simon Fuller, shifting the reality hit’s record deal away from Sony.

The contract is part of a three-year-minimum agreement for UMG's Interscope Geffen A&M division to globally market, promote and distribute "Idol" artist album.

"With 'Idol' celebrating our 10th season I wanted to inject some new power and weight behind our brand," Fuller said in a statement. "We have been quietly delivering hits relentlessly for 9 seasons and Lucian Grainge and Jimmy Iovine's (Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M) ambition, commitment, and determination to push the boundaries and go even further with Idol was very compelling. It is exciting to have the world’s biggest show partnered with the world’s biggest music company."

Since its debut in 2001, "America Idol" has sold more music than any other TV show, moving more than 100 million units in North America and more than 120 million songs on iTunes.

The Sony collaboration helped spawn hits for Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, though Billboard.com noted the success of those early "Idol" breakout artists haven’t been matched.