'Idol' Castoff Pia Toscano: A Record Deal Already?

By Christine Fenno Posted Apr 9th 2011 11:27AM

As a season 10 standout, she was a favorite finalist among judges, and countless 'American Idol' fans expressed shock over singer Pia Toscano's elimination this week.

But while her former competitors on the hit series keep on warbling for votes, Toscano has moved at lightning speed to capitalize on her new fame, and make her mark in the music industry.

The New York native, 22, is reportedly entering the recording studio as soon as possible to lay down tracks on a debut album, thanks to a brand new contract with Jimmy Iovine's Interscope label.

"Pia is being signed to a deal with Interscope Records, who are rushing her into the studio to record an album ASAP," an insider tells Us.

"Starting [Thursday] night, after the show, Interscope told her they wanted her, and first thing [Friday] morning, Interscope brass started calling every top songwriter and producer in town to get an album together and rush release it," says the source, adding, "Papers are being finalized. It's basically a done deal. She's signing. They rushed everything, but she's so excited."

"I have no idea what just happened here," Jennifer Lopez said on Thursday's broadcast, after the tally of votes sent Toscano packing. And Lopez wasn't the only one stunned by the results episode.

"I'm never upset on this show, and I'm never really mad," veteran judge Randy Jackson said about the singer who many considered a contender for the season 10 crown. "But this makes me mad."

Tags: American Idol, pia toscano

Comments

(228)

Saturday 09 April

By Didi

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Signing with Inerscope-Jimmy? They are "rushing" to get everyone such as producers and songwriters in town to push out an album, because she is a one hit wonder and if they wait too long the FEW fans she has will be off voting and caring for someone else....I also do not think it is fair that anyone gets offered a contract or starts an album before the show is finished..............It is saying the wrong thing to the current contestants and the show in general....Bad Nigel, Bad

By dmcguirre

this season if pro-country. AI producers realized that the biggest product they had ever produced is carrie underwood. so top 3 will be lauren, scotty, james (lambertr-wannabe). with lauren winning, the producer's (and steven's) baby and "ordained" winner as early as the auditions. BOOO!!!!!!!!!

By buca

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voting should be reversed....they should have people vote for who you think should go home.....someone really good like Pia..you think....she's not going anywhere...thinking everyone is voting for her. It happened with Casey too. But then again....less phone calls will be made....but at least we would "really" see who America thinks is the true American Idol. Just my opinion

By Mo

Totally agree!!!!!

By Shan

Happy for PIA but she's not an ENTERTAINER....can't work the stage in a big way....not sure what genre she'll fit into...someone said Celine Dion, um kinda but Celine has a huge stage presence. Depends on what Interscope wants her to do sing/perform. We'll have to wait and see. Maybe she'll more of a Mandy Moore type singer. Tangled is such a great movie and Mandy's singing is amazing.

By Karyl

I loved Pia........Chris Daughtry - The losers sometimes
do better long term than the winner.

I went to bed that night she was eliminated.

I was thinking that IDol is all done.

Shocking. Pia - keep your head.

Do not get involved with Hollyweird drugs

and you will be great. Ask Jennifer Hudson.

Love you. It will benefit you.

By Mary

I think this record label is jumping the gun. She is talented and beautiful, but evidently the fans of AI found something lacking. Could it be charisma. I think Scotty is going to win it and will be as big as Carrie Underwood in the country music area. I think Stefano, Paul and Casey will be going in the next three weeks.

Sunday 10 April

By dotty

it seems it was ok when they played with the black guy to lose when he was safe you should have seen jens face she new then pia was going its seems it was ok for him to go

I would like to add that everyone thought Allison Iraheta (Season 7) was going to be a big star, but her albums just did not sell.I'm sure she will stay in show business, but will be playing small clubs like Gokey.

By kittylit

Pia had the best voice, but she couldn't/wouldn't move, interact with the audience or perform. That is why she was voted off. Having the best voice is only half of the entire package.

By Mrs. Gallaher

Pia had a beautiful voice, but no entertainment value. On stage, she was lifeless and looked liked she didn't know where to go next. AI is about entertainment value, not just about a beautiful voice. Pia was too confident and didn't put any showmanship into her performances, thinking she was going to get by on her voice alone. I highly doubt her records will sell very much and she'll be about as remembered in a year as all of the other runner-ups. She needs to learn to be visually entertaining as well as audible.

By vickie

that can be learned ...and need I say, barbra streisand didn't need showmanship ..it was her voice that people cared about...Not everyone wants to see a circus......

By Dalys

vickie hate to say it but if people really cared for the singers voice then singers like Britney, Rihanna, miley Cyrus and more wouldn't still be famous.

Monday 11 April

By apwoad

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Okay people, America voted for their favorites...what's the problem??? Pai was a stuck up America took noticed too...a rich girl who thought it all belonged to her!!!! Ciao!!!

Okay people, America voted for their favorites...what's the problem??? "PIA" was a stuck up America took noticed too...a rich girl who thought it all belonged to her!!!! Ciao!!!

...and her singing on idol is where you came to that conclusion????You sound just like a jealous teenager...She said she was going to miss her idol friends more then anything ..that doesn't sound like stuck up to me...what an idiot you are....

By Frank

Rich? You idiot. She was a hairdresser, who just happens to have a fantastic voice and very easy on they eyes.

By johnnyboy

As long as the judges sugar coat all the preformances this will happen.By telling everyone they were great or sang beautifully your asking for this to happen.Example Doyou really think Paul and Halley sang well,i don,t think so.Simon was more honest.Sometimes you have to tell it the way it is.

By Kat2988

so true, the judges need to get more real, but if this is true i am happy for Pia, she will learn to be more showmanlike, she is one heck of a singer and she is just stunning!

By erge huang

wq r q e

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