Sony loses rights to American Idol, Universal Music Group in - American Idol Apocalypse

The end is near! So many changes in American Idol for next season -- it's literally going to be a brand new show in almost every aspect except Ryan Seacrest.

From THR:

Sony has lost the music rights to Fox's "American Idol."

19 Entertainment and "Idol" creator Simon Fuller have struck a deal to partner with Universal Music Group.

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

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.

Source THR