Pia Toscano gets record deal, set to release debut single on July 12

Pia Toscano, whose elimination from "American Idol" marked one of last season's biggest shockers, has landed a record deal.

The 22-year-old New York native signed a joint contract with Interscope Records, whose chairman, Jimmy Iovine, helped coach the contestants on the FOX singing contest, and with 19 Recordings, whose parent company co-produces "American Idol." She is set to release her debut single, "This Time," on July 12.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Interscope and 19 Recordings family," Toscano said in an Interscope Records statement obtained by OnTheRedCarpet.com. "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."

Toscano is "widely considered one of 'American Idol's Season 10 frontrunners, thanks to her powerhouse vocal ability and dark-haired beauty," the statement read.

The singer was eliminated from "American Idol" in April, leaving eight finalists to compete for the title, which was won by country crooner Scotty McCreery.

Toscano had earned mostly praise for her vocals during the weeks before she was voted off and according to online polls, including those on OnTheRedCarpet.com, she was voted most likely to win the FOX singing contest series.

"Toscano's early elimination shocked and visibly upset judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler," Interscope Records' statement said. "The latter said of the voting public: 'They're wrong. I don't know what happened with this. She's beautiful. When she sings, she's a bird."

Toscano's single, "This Time," was written and co-produced by Esther Dean, who has penning hits for pop singers Katy Perry and Christina Aguilera, hip hop star Nicki Minaj and R&B artists Mary J. Blige and Rihanna. Toscano's song is dubbed as an "acoustic guitar and beat-driven track."

Toscano is also working on her debut album, which is set for release later this year, Interscope Records' statement said.

McCreery and "American Idol" season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina also signed recording contracts with the firm after the show's finale in May.

(Copyright ©2011 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.)

View the original article here