As a new crop of “American Idol” contestants prepare to make their TV debuts on the season 24 premiere, they’re all vying to win the cash, fame, and potential record deal that comes with winning the title. But in 2026, the winner won’t be the only one who could be signed to a huge record label.
On January 15, the show’s record label partner, Sony Pictures Television’s 19 Entertainment, announced that it has teamed up with Atlantic Records, according to Hits Daily Double. Through the new “recording partnership,” the companies plan to represent multiple contestants they think have a bright future in music, even if they don’t win the show.
19 Entertainment & Atlantic Records Will Sign Several Contestants to Development Deals
DisneyAccording to Hits Daily Double, 19 and Atlantic Records have teamed up to represent “several of the show’s most talented and popular hopefuls, providing a robust set of services to cultivate each artist and connect them with their wide fan base from the show and beyond.”
Atlantic Records is already home to some of the world’s biggest music artists, including 2023 guest judge Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Alex Warren, and Coldplay. The label also has several “American Idol” alums on its roster, from Colton Dixon to Lauren Daigle to Daniel Seavey, and is eager to sign more.
Adam Grossman, Atlantic Records’ Senior Director of A&R, said in a statement that his label can’t wait “to help shape the next generation of superstars” and “American Idol” executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick said she’s thrilled to see the two companies “collaborate on discovering, elevating, and launching a true superstar.”
GettyThe announcement comes exactly one year after 19 hired former Epic Records exec Joey Arbagey to head its music division.
In a statement to Celebrity Access, he said, “American Idol has a legacy of helping great talent break through in a meaningful, lasting way, and we are excited to replicate that success with this upcoming season.”
“Partnering with a company as powerful as Atlantic means the artists that America will vote for this year gain even more creative support and infrastructure to reach the wide audiences they deserve,” he continued. “Together, we’re building a pathway that sets these artists up for long-term success.”
‘American Idol’ & Its Biggest Stars Had Worked With BMG Since 2021
For the last four years, 19 Entertainment and “American Idol” had worked closely with BMG, which became their recording and publishing partner in 2021, per Billboard.
Multiple “Idol” alums have released music with the label, including season 20 runner-up HunterGirl, season 21 finalist Haven Madison, season 22 runner-up Will Moseley, and season 24 finalist Gabby Samone, who released her first single, “Complicated,” with BMG on January 16.
Season 24 winner Jamal Roberts has also released his first singles with 19 Entertainment and BMG — “Heal,” “Mississippi,” and “Compare.”
“American Idol” returns with host Ryan Seacrest and judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie on January 26 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Where does 2021 winner Chayce Beckham fall into this. What’s his current label? Is he staying with current?
Adam Lambert got the same contract as Kris Allen and he didn’t win, so not new.