One singer had to be eliminated tonight, but there is good news for La’Porsha Renae who came in second to winner Trent Harmon. BOTH American Idol season 15 Top 2 finalists will be signed to record deals! Back in the days when Idol was flush, it was routine for at least the Top 2 to nab contracts. Season 12 changed all that when runner-up Kree Harrison came away from the competition empty handed. Since then, the competition became a winner takes all situation when it came to getting that deal. Until now.
According to Billboard, Trent will be signed to Big Machine Records as a country artist, while La’Porsha will be handed over to Big Machine’s partner, Motown Records, under the Universal Records umbrella.
“Because of the overwhelming fan demand and success of the farewell season of American Idol, we have made the decision to sign both the winner, Trent Harmon, and runner-up, La’Porsha Renae, to exclusive recording agreements,” Big Machine Label Group founder and CEO Scott Borchetta told Billboard. “I can’t think of a better way to bring this American institution to a close. Everyone at the Big Machine Label Group, the Universal Music Group and Motown Records are so thrilled with the outcome and can’t wait to get to work.”
Trent is headed to Nashville as soon as his Idol media tour is finished. “We’re going to make a country record with him,” says Scott.
La’Porsha’s album will be overseen by Ethiopia Habtemariam, president of Motown and president of urban music/co-head of creative at Universal Music Publishing Group, who told Billboard, “We are extremely excited to partner with Big Machine and 19 Entertainment on such an incredible talent as La’Porsha.”
19 Entertainment helped orchestrate the deal. Executive vp/worldwide head of music Jason Morey said, “American Idol has always been about the search for a superstar. This season, America helped us find two. We’re ecstatic to welcome these world-class artists to the 19 Entertainment family.”
Congratulations and good luck to both! It’s the perfect outcome for two talented singers.
