American Idol season 10 finalist Stefano Langone is the latest show alum to score a recording contract. The Kent, Washington native has been signed by Hollywood Records, label home to Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus and other Disney stars from past and present.
The news comes one day after friend and fellow finalist Casey Abrams announced his signing to jazz label Concord Music Group. Other season 10 alums with record deals include winner Scotty McCreery, whose debut album was just certified platinum, and runner-up Lauren Alaina (both signed to Universal Music Group’s Mercury Nashville), Haley Reinhart and Pia Toscano, signed to Interscope, and James Durbin, who recently released his first album on Wind-Up Records.
VIDEO: Thia Megia, Stefano Langone, Haley Reinhart Interview Each Other
“We are very excited to have Stefano on our roster,” said Hollywood evp Ken Bunt in a statement. “He’s an incredibly talented vocalist and songwriter. His story is very inspiring and we are looking forward to helping him achieve his goals.”
“I feel blessed to have gotten this opportunity with Hollywood Records,” added Langone. “I think it is a great fit for me and I’m so excited and hungry for what’s to come.”
VIDEO: Stefano Langone at ‘American Idol’ Top 13 Party
On Idol, Langone was judge Jennifer Lopez‘s wildcard pick for the Top 13 (she later cried during his rendition of Stevie Wonder‘s “Lately”), but was eliminated in seventh place. His backstory on the show involved a near-fatal car accident that left him with two broken arms and a fractured pelvis. Langone recuperated while wheelchair-bound for many months.
Langone is currently managed by 19 Entertainment and Red Light Management. The same day news of his signing was made public, the 23-year-old tweeted a simple message: “Today is a good day.”
Twitter: @shirleyhalperin
