Pia Toscano Reportedly Signs Record Deal, Plus Lythgoe Speaks

Well maybe that early ouster from American Idol wasn’t such a bad thing after all. US Magazine is reporting that shocking eliminee Pia Toscano is in talks with Idol mentor and producer Jimmy Iovine for a record deal with his very own Interscope Records. A source close to the deal comments that “Pia is being signed to a deal with Interscope Records who are rushing her into the studio to record an album ASAP. Starting [Thursday] night after the show, Interscope told her they wanted her and first thing [Friday] morning Interscope brass started calling every top songwriter and producer in town to get an album together and rush release it.” No confirmation has been given by Pia Toscano or Interscope Records, so keep an eye for any developments. I for one hope the “rushing” that they speak of won’t sacrifice the quality of the songs that are released. Let’s hope this isn’t just a ploy to make a couple extra bucks while the disappointment surrounding her elimination is still pretty fresh. If this deal goes into the books, what do you think about Pia getting thrown into the market before the eventual winner of Season 10? Should the eventual winner get first dibs on the shelves?

In other news, Idol executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe, was caught at the Las Vegas auditions for So You Think You Can Dance. Of course, questions about Pia were flooding from the media and Nigel goes on record saying that Pia was, in fact, never a front runner. “I know the [voting] results, so I know she was never a frontrunner…The fact of the matter is, it appears that Pia didn’t connect with the audience the way we maybe think she did.” When asked about fan feedback on the voting changes for this season, Nigel hinted at a possible change next season, a la SYTYCD. “Maybe if we change the rules next season, maybe do the same thing we do on So You Think You Can Dance….so that America votes for the bottom three, and then the judges decide who goes home….I think that will be thought about.” It should be noted, however, that any changes need to be run by show runner Simon Fuller, so we’re not holding our breath for these changes to occur on Idol’s next season. What do you think about Nigel’s comment? Are you surprised he didn’t think Pia was the frontrunner, considering it was no secret Lauren Alaina was on the top of his list? What do you think about the voting changes? Let us know your thoughts below and in our FORUMS!