American Idol’s Francisco Martin & Grace Leer Sign with 19 Recordings

Francisco auditioned in San Francisco, and impressed the judges with an emotional cover of Maggie Rogers’ “Alaska.” In Francisco’s backstory, he shared candidly about overcoming debilitating anxiety in order to ultimately follow his dreams of a music career. He finished season 18 in the Top 5, after performing in the finale.

American Idol: Bobby Bones Speaks On If He’ll Return as Mentor
American Idol 2021: Cast Returns for Season 19

Grace first came to the American Idol family’s attention as a contestant on the short lived Idol offshoot, American Juniors back in 2004. She came to American Idol 2020 as a grown up country music singer, looking for her big break. She made the Top 21, but had to battle fellow country singer Lauren Mascitti for a spot in the Top 11. She was eliminated in the first week of finals competition.

Four contestants so far have nabbed record deals from 19 Recordings, including winner Just Sam, who signed with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings and Top 5 finalist, Dillon James who inked a deal with UMG Nashville, 19 Recordings and Hollywood Records.

Francisco posted the news on Instagram:

I got a record deal! this is flipping crazy!!! A new chapter has opened up in my life and I’m so excited for you guys to be a part of it. A HUGE  thank you to the team at 19 recordings and the amazing Elissa Felman who have been an incredible support system to me. Love them so much. A thank you to American Idol for giving me the opportunity to pursue a career in music. And a thousand thank yous to you guys for continuing your support and love for me and my art. I love each and everyone of you and can’t wait to ride on this journey with you guys by my side. You guys are the reason why I continue to do what I love. And I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. So happy right now, words are not enough to express how I feel. Appreciate you all.x

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

A post shared by Francisco Martin (@franciscomartinmusic) on Aug 19, 2020 at 5:25pm PDT

Grace delivered the good news via a couple of IG videos. She announced that she signed with 19 Recordings as well as Red Light Management. “I found out last Friday,” Grace said in the video.” She also mentioned that she has already lined up a music producer. She added, “I promise you guys are going to be hearing new music soon.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOLY CRAP I GOT A RECORD DEAL!!!!! Guys this doesn’t feel real ?When you’re a kid you are always asked what you want to be when you grow up and my answer was always “a singer”…I would draw photos of me on a big stage with a microphone in my hand. I have prayed for this and I have manifested this my entire life. MUSIC IS NOW MY FULL TIME JOB. I keep pinching myself that this is all happening. When I got the news I fell on the floor and bursted into tears. For the past few months this has been in the works, and I have so many people to thank…but this would not have been possible without ALL OF YOU and especially @americanidol. Idol, you gave me the opportunity and the stage to make this happen. 19 Recordings and @elissajf, thank you for taking me under your wing after Idol and teaching me so much and believing in the music that I am wanting to create. Tom and Autumn and everyone at @redlightmgmt Nashville, I am so excited to officially be working with people who see me for who I am and want to help make my visions come to life ? This is such a huge step for my career and its very hard to put it all into words! I can’t wait to keep making music and to keep these wild dreams going. The support from y’all has been insane and I am beyond grateful. This is not just about me but it’s about you guys, it’s about country music and I can’t believe WE ARE SIGNED! Let’s get to work!! But first, come have some champagne with me on my IG live right now and celebrate!?#teamgrace #wedidit

A post shared by Grace Leer (@graceleermusic) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:59pm PDT

Grace conducted a 30 minute IG stream that included a Q&A and performance. She explained that she was in discussions with 19R and Red Light for the past couple of months, since American Idol ended.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love you guys so much!! So fun celebrating this amazing moment with you all ???

A post shared by Grace Leer (@graceleermusic) on Aug 20, 2020 at 3:35pm PDT