Crews 
The American Idol finale just aired this evening and the 15th and final Idol was crowned. Many expected fan fave La’Porsha Renae to take the title home after a season filled with stellar performances that went viral, but alas it was Trent Harmon who was the winner.
Many took to social media as the winner was crowned to vent their frustration with the results, but in a bid to ease those conspiracy theories, Billboard has just issued a report that claims BOTH winner and runner up have received label deals.
American Idol winner Trent Harmon will embark on a country music career as an artist on 19/Big Machine Records,Billboard has confirmed.
And unlike recent seasons, when the runner-up has not necessarily been offered a label deal, La’Porsha Renae will also be joining the Universal Music Group family, signing with 19/Big Machine/Motown Records, in partnership with Big Machine.
“Because of the overwhelming fan demand and success of the farewell season of American Idol, we have made the decision to sign both the winner, Trent Harmon, and runner-up, La’Porsha Renae, to exclusive recording agreements,” Big Machine Label Group founder and CEO Scott Borchetta tells Billboard. “I can’t think of a better way to bring this American institution to a close. Everyone at the Big Machine Label Group, the Universal Music Group and Motown Records are so thrilled with the outcome and can’t wait to get to work.”
Harmon, the 25-year-old Mississippi native who won the hearts of TV viewers with a game-changing performance of Sia‘s “Chandelier,” is headed to Nashville as soon as his Idol appearance obligations are done. “We’re going to make a country record with him,” Borchetta told reporters Wednesday night.
Renae’s album will be overseen by Ethiopia Habtemariam, president of Motown and president of urban music/co-head of creative at Universal Music Publishing Group, who tells Billboard, “We are extremely excited to partner with Big Machine and 19 Entertainment on such an incredible talent as La’Porsha.”
The deals were orchestrated by 19 Entertainment executive vp/worldwide head of music Jason Morey, who adds, “American Idol has always been about the search for a superstar. This season, America helped us find two. We’re ecstatic to welcome these world-class artists to the 19 Entertainment family.”
Watch the crowning moment below.
