As you may or may not know, Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox each got a record deal out of their winner and runner-up statuses on the most recent season of Idol, but it wasn't until yesterday that the actual details of Lee's album release schedule were made public.
Read the press release courtesy of 19 Recordings/RCA Records below:
American Idol Season 9 Winner Lee Dewyze Signs to 19 Recordings / RCA Records
Dewyze's Debut Album is Set for Release in Fall 2010
LOS ANGELES, June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- American Idol Season 9 winner Lee Dewyze has been signed to 19 Recordings/RCA Records. He is preparing to start work on his debut album which is due for release in fall 2010.
The 24 year old Mount Prospect, IL native impressed millions throughout the season taking home this year's American Idol winning title. Dewyze is a self taught musician who began singing and playing guitar in his teens. Auditioned in Chicago, Dewyze was the only male contestant never to land in the bottom three during American Idol Season 9.
"Lee is the People's choice, the working class hero who won the hearts of America to become The 9th American Idol," says Simon Fuller – Creator of American Idol and Founder of 19 Entertainment. "Lee has a powerful voice, integrity and a passion for music that literally brought tears to his eyes. We are all looking forward so much to Lee recording his new album to be released in the late fall."
"Lee struck a real chord with the American public this season on Idol. His humility coupled with his vast talent and musicianship should make him a big artist for a long time to come," says Barry Weiss, Chairman & CEO RCA/JIVE Label Group. "We at the RCA Label are excited to work with Lee and 19 on an album that speaks to his widespread appeal."
"Looking back on the last few months and all I gained from my experience on American Idol, it is incredible to know that this is only the beginning for me. Being signed by 19 Entertainment/RCA Records is a dream come true," says Lee. "I know that by working with them, I have the support that will allow me to record the best possible album I can – an album I'm proud of and confident in."
Lee will be recording his album over the summer while on the road with the American Idol's Live tour. The tour kicks off July 1 in Auburn Hills, Michigan and ends September 14 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
So, what do you think? Will Lee's album be as rushed as the rest of the debuts have been? Will it be more David Cook or Kris Allen? Either way I'm willing to be a cover of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero" will appear on there.
Crystal signed with Jive Records, but we've yet to see a press release detailing her release.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
RCA posts press release on Lee DeWyze's forthcoming album
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Allison Iraheta second S8 alum signed to Jive
Although she was only the fourth Idol finalist left standing this past season, Allison Iraheta is now the third alum to sign a recording contract from the eighth season. It was today made public that the fiery-haired rocker girl is the newest member of the 19 Recordings/Jive Records family, joining Kris Allen as the two latest Idol alums to appear on label's roster (Jordin Sparks and David Archuleta were each signed following their placings on their respective seasons).
The following is an excerpt from a post on People.com's "TV Watch" blog:Barry Weiss, the CEO of RCA/Jive label group also commented on Iraheta, who is the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants and lives in Downey, Calif. “Her bluesy, powerful voice, spunky attitude, and edgy star power immediately captivated us and it didn’t matter where she ranked on Idol,” he said in the statement, “we knew we wanted her to join our amazing crop of young talent at Jive.”
So, this leaves a sort of elephant in the room, as everyone has been picking up on the fact that second runner-up Danny Gokey has yet to be offered a record deal. While it would be a semi-shock for Danny to not get signed, it's more debatable as to whether or not 19E or a Sony-BMG umbrella label will bite at the chance to scoop him up. If this is the case, wait for an announcement to come many weeks from now.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Album covers: Kellie & Kristy Lee
Kellie Pickler and Kristy Lee Cook both had their upcoming albums' covers revealed this week. Kellie's cover for her self-titled sophomore album is a head shot in classic black and white with pink text, while Kristy Lee's is a shot of her lying on top of one of her horses (most likely not the one she sold to get herself to the Season 7 auditions).
The reception has been mixed, even skewing poor. But cheap album covers are nothing new, and it is to be expected from artists managed by 19E. In fact, every single album released by an Idol alum has been criticized to the core, moreso than many other non-Idol artists.
You can now pre-order Kellie Pickler (Sept. 30) and Why Wait (Sept. 16) on Amazon.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Katharine's new single "I Know What Boys Like" on iTunes
Katharine McPhee's new single, "I Know What Boys Like," from the soundtrack for her upcoming film debut, The House Bunny, was added to iTunes on Wed., July 16, but was only made available on Friday. The song, which was released via 19 Recordings Limited under license to RCA Records, features Kat's stylized vocals over a heavy club banging beat, similar to her material on her debut album. It is a cover of the 1980s hit by The Waitresses. No word yet on whether or not it will be sent to radio as an official single. Listen to the song below:
Download "I Know What Boys Like" on iTunes.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
19/Arista Nashville picks up Kristy Lee Cook
In what can be best compared to the signing of Season 5's sixth-place finalist Kellie Pickler back in 2006, 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville yesterday announced the addition of Season 7's seventh-place finalist, Kristy Lee Cook, to the label's roster. Kristy Lee was thankful in confirming the announcement:
"I've wanted this for so many years. To have the chance to be a country singer, to make the music I love and to have enjoyed the support of so many American Idol fans this past season, it all means more than I can put into words. Thank you so much to everyone. I'll do my best to make you proud!"Kellie, who is still signed with both 19 and BNA Records, both of which are under the Sony BMG umbrella, will release her sophomore album in September. Kristy Lee's debut single, "15 Minutes of Shame," is set to debut in August, followed by a full album in the fall.
Kristy Lee joins fellow Idol alum Carrie Underwood on the Arista Nashville roster.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Cook signs with RCA, dispelling earlier rumors

A press release issued today has announced that David Cook has signed with 19 Recordings / RCA Records, not J Records as initially reported last week. Below is a portion from the release:
American Idol winner David Cook has been signed to 19 Recordings / RCA Records and is preparing to start recording his debut album which is due for release in fall 2008.The full release is posted on Cook's official MySpace page. Cook was also added to RCA's official roster, and has his own artist page.
"David Cook is an extraordinarily versatile and talented artist with an impressive sense of musicality," says Tom Corson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, RCA Music Group. "He is a natural performer and a true star. We are thrilled to welcome him into our family."
Cook, who's first single, "The Time Of My Life" skyrocketed to 1 on iTunes within 7 hours of being available, will be recording his album over the summer while on the road with the American Idol tour. The tour kicks off on July 1st in Glendale, AZ and wraps on September 13th in Tulsa, OK.
Other Idol alums currently calling RCA home are Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry.