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David Bisbal Re-Ups With Universal, Signs 360 Deal

Spanish singer David Bisbal has renewed his recording contract with Universal Music Spain, signing a long-term, 360 deal that extends to touring and management. Universal didn’t specify how long Bisbal’s contract was renewed for, but during the signing, the singer said: “Well, it looks like we’ll be together for at least 10 more years.”

Bisbal catapulted to fame as a big vocalist and dynamic performer on the 2000 inaugural version of Spain’s “Operación Triunfo,” a music reality show.

He became a phenomenon, selling a million copies in Spain alone of each of his first two solo albums, 2002’s “Corazón Latino” and 2004’s “Bulería.” Originally signed to Spanish indie Vale Music, with Universal distribution, Bisbal became a Universal Music Latin act exported both to the U.S. and Latin America. The relationship was strong enough that Bisbal eventually signed his management to GTS, Universal’s talent development arm, which also presented his latest tour throughout Latin America and the U.S. this spring and in Spain last year.

Now, Bisbal has renewed with Universal for all aspects of his career.

“We’ll continue his international expansion,” said Jesús López, chairman Universal Music Latin America/Iberian Penninsula. “He’s already opened European markets like Belgium, France and Rumania. Plans for Latin America are also big. He’s strong in many countries and grew a lot in Argentina with his last album. We’re looking to grow more, especially in Mexico and the U.S.”

Bisbal signed his new deal in Spain, alongside López, UMG global marketing president Andrew Kronfeld, UMGI chairman/CEO Max Hole, Universal Music Iberian Penninsula president Francois Benoit and manager Narcis Rebollo.

Bisbal is at work on a new studio album set for release in 2014. [Billboard.biz]