Earlier this week, we reported on the launch of Sting 25, an iPad app celebrating Sting’s solo career. But how much did it cost to make? More than one million dollars. This is according to the Wall Street Journal.

“Having recently released a 25th anniversary Sting box set, the singer’s label, Universal Music Group, and publisher, EMI, say they eagerly supported the app as a high-tech showcase for Sting’s catalog,” explains the newspaper.

“The music companies offered up the copyright clearances required, but didn’t chip in on the production budget. Those costs, in the low seven figures, were primarily covered by sponsors American Express and Chevrolet.”

The app was made by New York firm Radical Media, and includes concert footage, photos, handwritten lyrics and diary entries, and 360-degree spinning instruments. Which would explain why it cost so much to make. Hats off to whoever struck the sponsorship deal to cover most of those costs.

It seems Bjork’s Biophilia – rumoured production cost: $500k – has been knocked off its perch as the most expensive artist app.