Zhang Liangying (L) and Zhang Songhui, the president of Universal Records of Greater China
Mainland pop singer Zhang Liangying signed with world's leading record label Universal Records on Wednesday, her agent company confirmed.
The deal ended the long media speculation of the singer's next move after she broke up with her previous label Huayi Music, a front-running record group in the mainland market.
When Zhang's three-year record deal with Huayi Music expired in February, rumor broke that she would turn to SONY/BMG for the wider overseas promotion she had long craved. But no direct response came from the label.
In April, Wang Zhongjun, president of Huayi, confirmed his brand would not extend the deal with Zhang. Instead, she launched her own label Show City Entertainment, an affiliated company to Huayi. With partial ownership, Zhang can be totally in charge of her music-related issues.
The recent deal made with Universal Records covers record production, publishing and promotion for Zhang and the other artists under the Show City label, especially the publicity support for her music in the global market. It is reported that Universal and Zhang have met face to face numerous times in order to reach the deal.
Jane Zhang rose up to the pop scene after she finished third place on the blockbuster TV talent show "Super Girl" in 2005. She's been acclaimed for her outstanding singing talent among all the "Super Girl" contestants, and mostly, her capability of performing Western pop classics.
The singer has released four full-length albums under the Huayi label and has had several hit singles on her merit list. She's seen as one of the most competitive songstresses to rein the mainland mando-pop scene.
