March 09, 2010

By By Wolfgang Spahr, Berlin

BMG Rights Management has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Leona Lewis.

The worldwide deal - arguably the biggest international artist-songwriter signing for the 18-month-old company - was announced today (March 9) by the company in Berlin.

"Leona is a staggering musical talent, going from strength to strength as her songwriting develops. We're thrilled to be working with her and her management team," Tony Moss, managing director BMG Rights Management U.K., said in a statement.

Lewis's sophomore album "Echo" (Syco) was released in November 2009 and is certified double platinum in the U.K. The first single from this album, "Happy," was written by Lewis with Ryan Tedder and Evan Bogart and produced by Tedder.

In addition to her two studio albums, Lewis recently recorded the "Avatar" theme song "I See You" and there are plans for her first world tour in 2010.

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