And the record deals for “American Idol” season 8 finalists continue to roll in at a quick clip.
After champion Kris Allen's deal with 19/Jive and runner-up Adam Lambert's deal with 19/RCA were announced earlier this week, EW has exclusively learned that 19 Recordings has also signed fourth-place-finisher, rocker Allison Iraheta, and that her debut album will be licensed to Jive Records, like Allen's forthcoming disc. And just like the the albums from her two fellow alums, Iraheta's is anticipated for a fall release. (Talk about an “Idol”-rific autumn!)
All week long, “Idol” fan sites like mjsbigblog were abuzz with rumors of Iraheta's signing.
The 17-year-old singer sounds like she's barely processing the news herself: “I think I’m still in shock that this is happening — getting to record my first album and this whole awesome experience is a dream come true!” Allison said in a statement released to EW by 19 Recordings. (Excited? Check out PopWatch's exclusive "Rocker Signed" video!)
Notably absent from the recent spate of deal-making? That’d be polarizing third-place finisher, Danny Gokey. Says a rep at 19: "There’s nothing to report just yet."