'X Factor's' Chris Rene Signs With Epic Records

Label is also expected to ink deals with Marcus Canty and, perhaps, 15-year-old Astro.

7:16 PM PST 1/17/2012 by THR Staff

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Ray Mickshaw / FOX

Chris Rene is continuing his relationship with L.A. Reid.

The X Factor alum, who placed third in the reality competition’s inaugural season, has just inked a deal with Epic Records, The Hollywood Reporter confirms.

PHOTOS: An 'American Idol' to 'X Factor' Timeline

Rene should be in good company at his new home, as the Reid-helmed label is expected to announce on Wednesday a deal with fourth place finisher Marcus Canty. Could Brian “Astro” Bradley, perhaps the competition’s most controversial contestant, be next? Speculation has swirled regarding the 15-year-old’s impending deal, which could find him at Epic or in the company of winner Melanie Amaro at Sony.

With the ink still drying on his contract, Santa Cruz-based rapper Rene will likely see between $150,000 and $500,000 from the label -- a respectable, but significantly smaller payout than Amaro’s $5 million deal with Sony.

As part of his Epic debut, Rene will record a new version of his self-penned audition song “Young Homie.”