Pop star Jason Zhang eyes bigger international career by signing with Universal Music

Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) announced the signing of pop star Jason Zhang at a music summit in Beijing on June 3, a deal to push the pop star toward greater international presence.

Adam Granite, executive vice president of Universal Music Group, singer Jason Zhang, and Timothy Xu, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Music Greater China, pose for a photo in Beijing, June 3, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

Widely recognized as one of the defining voices in Mandopop, singer, songwriter and producer Zhang has built an extraordinary career over more than two decades through his vocal power, emotional range and enduring connection with his audience. Together with Jason Zhang's own personal label Planet Culture, UMGC will work across Zhang's future recorded music, artist management, live performances, global reach and broader strategic development.

Zhang had previously signed with Universal Music after he became the champion of a reality talent show "My Style and My Show" in 2004. "I started my career in Shanghai with Universal Music. Now, more than two decades later, we stand together again. This is not only a collaboration but rather a reunion of old friends. I feel that this is a very natural mutual choice."

Zhang continued, "Over the years, I have been singing all along and growing, and I have come to believe more and more in one thing, music must be rooted in its local soil, but truly good music can always reach further. Universal Music has built solid roots in the Greater China music industry and understands the original aspirations of Chinese musicians, alongside a well-established global music vision and network. Without a doubt, it is the perfect partner for my next musical journey."

He promised that he and his label will work with Universal Music to bring the authentic, vibrant and emotionally powerful Chinese music to a bigger stage. "More than two decades later, we join hands again. What has changed is our status, but what remains unchanged is our original aspiration. I look forward to this time, as we work together to present more and better Chinese music to the world."

Timothy Xu, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Music Greater China said: "We're delighted to welcome Jason Zhang to UMGC, whose exceptional musical talent has had great impact on Chinese music and culture. This new, holistic relationship is designed to support the next stage of Jason's career, and in partnership with his personal label Planet Culture we look forward to taking his music to new audiences — in China and internationally."

The announcement was made at the Universal Music China Summit 2026. This gathering of China's music industry key players, including government bodies, digital and streaming platforms, concert promoters, festival organizers, film and gaming companies and brand partners looked to create new opportunities. The focus is on the development of China's music industry and to build a more open, diverse and international music ecosystem. Universal Music pledged to help expand Chinese artists' careers overseas and broaden their international pathways.

Since the mid-2000s, Zhang has become one of Mandopop's most influential artists, with more than 17 albums and a fanbase of over 100 million followers across Chinese social media platforms. He has also earned major recognition at home and abroad, including becoming the first Chinese singer to win the American Music Awards' International Artist Award. In spring this year, he played 16 sold-out concerts in a 24-day span at Beijing National Stadium. This drew over one million fans and set a record for the most shows in a single-stadium run.

The pop singer's influence has also extended well beyond the domestic market. Over the years, Zhang has continued to expand his international profile through international touring, global collaborations and major cross-border recognition, helping bring contemporary Chinese pop music to wider audiences around the world. This new partnership reflects a shared ambition between artist and company that will only further broaden exposure in the years ahead.