'American Idol' Finalist Pia Toscano Lands Interscope Record Deal

Well this isn't a shock. American Idol season 10 finalist, Pia Toscano seemingly has a record deal. Toscano's ninth place elimination left the live audience as well as the judges in complete shock, but I wasn't really surprised. Week after week Toscano came to the stage with, essentially, the same song - a boring, schmaltzy, over-the-top, nicely sung ballad. While there was no question that the girl could sing, she clearly wasn't making a connection with the viewing audience and that's what counts on American Idol.

Earlier today, Entertainment Weekly & The Hollywood Reporter both confirmed that Toscano, 22, had signed a deal with Interscope Records and will digitally release her debut single, "This Time," on July 12th, just before Toscano hits the road with the American Idol Live! Tour. The song has been described as an "acoustic-guitar and beat-driven track" penned by hitmaker Ester Dean (Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Beyoncé).  According to a press statement issued by Toscano and printed on HollywoodReporter.com:

“I am thrilled to be joining the Interscope and 19 Recordings family. [Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman] Jimmy Iovine was an amazing mentor during my time on Idol and I’m looking forward to working with him and everyone at Interscope Records and 19 Recordings. This is a dream come true.” {SOURCE}

As previously reported by People Magazine, Toscano's debut album will have a something for everyone, including those trademark ballads, but also some more up-tempo dancier fare. Toscano reportedly already hit the studio with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (Aaliyah, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson) which is HUGE.  According to Jerkins, who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter back in May, fans can expect a "big, diva-sounding record."

The fact that a Toscano, the shows ninth runner up already has a record deal certainly bodes well for the rest of the Season 10 contestants.  Admittedly, of the contestants with record deals in place - Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Pia -  the only album I would consider supporting would be Pia's...assuming that she sticks to her word and makes a diverse sounding record.  While it sounds like Haley Reinhart and James Durbin both have management deals in place, there's no word whether or not they've signed to a label.  If she tries to put out a boring Leona Lewis ballad album, I will absolutely flip my sh*t.  No joke. Look out for "This Time" July 12th and while you're waiting, check out Toscano's American Idol releases on U.S. iTunes HERE.

{SOURCES: The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine}