MUMBAI: Universal Motown Records has signed singer-songwriter-television host-actress, Kelly Rowland as a solo artist.

Universal Motown Records president Sylvia Rhone said, “I think Kelly is an immensely talented, gracious, and beautiful woman, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with her on what’s turning out to be an amazing album. For an artist, whose career began as a member of a landmark group like Destiny’s Child, Kelly has truly come into her own and I am deeply inspired by her incredible energy.”

“I could not be happier working with Sylvia Rhone and the entire Universal Motown staff,” stated Rowland. “They have really embraced me and have set me up to succeed. I decided, after careful thought, to sign with Universal Motown not only because of their track record of success, but also because they truly put their artists first.”

Rowland first rose to prominence in 1998 as a member of Destiny’s Child. In 2002, the Texas native launched her post-Destiny’s Child solo career with the release of her RIAA-gold certified debut album, Simply Deep, which reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. That same year, Rowland teamed up with Universal Motown hip-hop sensation Nelly for a duet called Dilemma, which appeared on his 2002 album, Nellyville. Dilemma topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and earned two Grammy nominations, including a win for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. In 2007, Kelly Rowland’s second solo album, Ms. Kelly, hit No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold more than 1.2 million copies worldwide.

Rowland is currently in the studio, working on her Universal Motown debut album, featuring the new international single Commander, with David Guetta, in addition to collaborations with Dr. Luke, Stargate, Salaam Remi, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, and Esther Dean.