Universal to Rep ‘Rising Star’ Artists

The two companies will work together to maximize the potential of the show’s finalists, locally and internationally, on all platforms.

Separately, Keshet DCP has signed a deal with UMG in the U.S. that will see artists on ABC’s U.S. version of the show win a record deal with the Universal Music label, Capitol Records. Capitol Records will also release studio recordings of the performances on the show.

“Rising Star” enables real-time voting by viewers via a free app that is fully integrated into the show. 

“In ‘Rising Star,’ Keshet International has created a truly original format that reinvents viewer engagement,” says Max Hole, chairman and chief executive officer, Universal Music Group International. “Finding and developing exciting

The initial Israeli version of “Rising Star” marked a record-breaking debut on Keshet’s Channel 2 last year, peaking with an audience share of 58 percent and tallying more than 10 million votes through its real-time voting app. The format has gone on to sell to more than 25 territories internationally in six months and is currently on-air in Brazil (Rede Globo) and Portugal (TVI). On June 22, it made its debut on ABC in the U.S., becoming the most successful summer launch for ABC since 2011. 

“With ‘Rising Star,’ Keshet International has developed a highly innovative approach to engaging viewers that combines the best of television and social media to introduce new artists to the public,” says Steve Barnet, chairman and chief executive officer, Capitol Music Group. “Our involvement with this exciting platform will help broaden the reach of these just discovered artists and share their music with their newly won fans nationwide.”