Underwood To UMG: 19/Arista's Carrie Underwood has departed the label for a worldwide deal with Universal Music Group, specifically Capitol/Nashville. "I'm so thrilled that Carrie has decided to make Capitol Records Nashville and UMG her home globally," says UMG Chairman/CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. "As a talented writer, recording artist, performer and actor, Carrie is that exceptionally rare artist who can do it all." Adds UMG/Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan, "Already a top tier force in country music, Carrie's vast talents and creative bravery show that she is an artist who is prepared to take on a wide range of artistic challenges."

The move reunites Underwood with UMGN President Cindy Mabe, who helped launch her Sony debut Some Hearts. "When I decided to take my position with Capitol Records in 2007, personally one of the hardest people for me to leave behind was Carrie Underwood," Mabe says. "We were a team and I had the opportunity to watch her leave American Idol as a kid and mature into one of the most important artists with the most powerful voice in music.  It was amazing to be a small part of that ride. I am so proud and humbled that she has chosen to sign with Universal Music Group Nashville and that we will once again join forces as she writes the next chapter of her soaring career as a global superstar of enormous integrity and talent."

Finally, Underwood says, "It's so inspiring to me as an artist to feel this excited about the future. The incredible team at UMG shares the heart and passion I have for music as well as the drive, and their innovative spirit has shown that together the possibilities are endless. I also want to be sure to thank every single person who has played a part in my recording career so far. I will be forever grateful to them for all we achieved together."