Simon Cowell made his name as the sneering judge on Pop Idol

The deal covers all of Cowell's music and TV productions, as well as future projects including new TV shows.

"Simon Cowell is arguably the most important creative force in popular music television and pop music in the world," said Sony BMG's Tim Bowen.

"We are incredibly proud to have extended our relationship with him."

Cowell is responsible for bringing artists, including Westlife, Five and most recently Il Divo, to Sony BMG UK over the course of their 15-year working relationship.

"BMG has been my home for the last 15 years," said the producer and TV personality. "I am incredibly excited to be working with one of the most talented and visionary companies in the world."

Copyright claim

Cowell's TV production company Syco has also extended its first-look deal with US broadcaster Fox for a further five years.

Il Divo are among Cowell's recent success stories

Cowell founded Syco, which produces ITV talent contest The X Factor, in 2004.

The X Factor was recently at the centre of a copyright case which saw fellow music and TV producer Simon Fuller sue Cowell over claims he copied the hit TV talent show Pop Idol. The case was settled out of court.

Cowell made his name as a judge on Pop Idol, and its US counterpart Amercian Idol.

As part of a related series of deals Sony BMG also renewed its worldwide agreement with Simon Fuller's production company 19, for the rights to artists and recordings generated by the Pop Idol series.