Exclusive: 'American Idol' alum Allison Iraheta officially signed to 19/Jive

Jun 9, 2009, 08:00 PM | by Tanner Stransky

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.

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."

“American Idol” Winner Kris Allen Signs With Jive Records

Just weeks after being crowned this season’s American Idol, Kris Allen has inked a deal with 19 Entertainment and Jive Records to release his debut album this fall. “As exciting as the last few months have been, I’m really looking forward to what is next,” Allen said in a statement. “Everyone’s been asking me what it’s going to sound like. It will be very similar to what you heard from me on the show — definitely in the pop/rock genre. I can’t wait to get started!” Allen will join other AI all-stars Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta under the Jive banner, perhaps hinting at the target audience AI hopes Allen will appeal to after Idol.

Before Allen can hit the studio, however, he’ll hit the road with the rest of the American Idol Season Eight finalists for a tour starting July 5th in Portland, Oregon. Since the tour concludes September 15th, it’s likely Allen will also try to sneak in some studio time in order to make the LP’s estimated late autumn release date. Allen’s post-Idol coronation song “No Boundaries” is currently Number 23 on the Hot 100 Singles Chart.

“Kris won the hearts of millions of Americans with his soulful voice, good looks and gracious demeanor,” AI creator Simon Fuller said in the statement. “However it is his passion for music and love of performing that will make sure Kris stands the test of time and makes American Idol proud.” Allen may soon be joined by a familiar face over at Jive as Idol bible MJ’s Big Blog reports that Season Eight’s fourth-place finisher Alison Iraheta is rumored to have been signed to Jive as well.

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/06/08/american-idol-winner-kris-allen-signs-with-jive-records/#more-10277