American Idol winner Kris Allen has signed a lucrative publishing deal with Universal Music it has been announced.

The 24 year old singer from Arkansas said:

“I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Monti Olson and the creative staff at Universal Music Publishing Group.”

Monti Olson, Senior Vice President of Universal Music Publishing Group, added, “I am proud that a songwriter of Kris’ caliber would choose to make Universal Music Publishing Group his home. I look forward to the future with Kris.”

The deal will include Kris’ first post Idol album ‘Kris Allen’ as well as his future work. Kris’ album was released in November 2009, it peaked at number 11 in the American Billboard charts and sold 286,000 copies. He recently made a return to the Idol stage singing ‘Let it Be’, check out the video here.