'American Idol' Alum Danny Gokey Signs Country Label Deal

[DBackFan]

'American Idol' Season 8 finalist Danny Gokey has inked a deal with 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville. Danny, who placed third in the competition, joins the label group which is already home to Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood and Season 5's sixth-place finisher Kellie Pickler.

USA Today reports Danny's signing marks the first time in the show's history that 'AI''s 19 record label has signed all of the final four contestants from a single season. Winner Kris Allen, runner-up Adam Lambert and fourth-place contestant Allison Iraheta were all signed to label deals in June.

Earlier this summer, The Boot reported that the 29-year-old Wisconsin native, whose soulful voice and eyeglasses made him a standout throughout the televised competition, had been in talks with Nashville labels. He had also expressed interest in working with Carrie's producer, Mark Bright, although no producer has been announced for his debut project.

Danny is expected to begin recording in Nashville once the Idols Live tour ends on Sept. 15. Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante says a single is likely to be released in late fall, with an album to follow, most likely in March.

"We absolutely love Danny," says Galante, "We haven't had anybody like that (in country) since Ronnie Milsap or T. Graham Brown."

[Advertisement]