Trent Harmon may have taken home the final (...for now) American Idol title on Thursday night (April 7), but he wasn't the only winner. La'Porsha Renae came out on top, too, with a recording contract all her own.
Yes, both Idol finalists have been signed to imprints of Universal Music Group with exclusive record deals, Billboard reported.
In a statement following the surprising, extravagant finale of American Idol, Big Machine Records CEO and Idol mentor Scott Borchetta revealed that Harmon has been signed to Big Machine Records, while Renae will be working with Motown Records' Ethiopia Habtermariam.
"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," Borchetta said. "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."
Renae confirmed that she has signed with Motown Records on Twitter with a series of retweets.
Big news, runner up @laporsharenae has been signed by Motown Records! pic.twitter.com/RefyQHdmiC
— Courtney Ann Jackson (@courtneyannj) April 8, 2016
Knew @laporsharenae was gonna be fine when I spotted @motown at her rehearsal a few weeks ago. Ready for her to KILL THE GAME #IdolFarewell — Gerrick D. Kennedy (@GerrickKennedy) April 8, 2016
so @laporsharenae is joining @SebastianKole and I on the @motown label. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY AHHHH
— Jadagrace™ (@Jadagrace) April 8, 2016
Meanwhile, what kind of record will Harmon make? According to Borchetta, they're going to move away from his blue-eyed soul genre and create a Justin Timberlake goes country kind of LP, because why not.
