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Iraheta signs deal with Jive Records

by Eric Pierce, City Editor

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DOWNEY - Allison Iraheta's debut album will be released this fall, Jive Records has announced.

Iraheta signed last month with 19 Recordings, an entertainment promotion company founded by "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller. Her music was licensed to Jive Records.

Iraheta, of Downey, has already recorded two songs for the album as she prepares for a nationwide tour this summer. Between tour dates she will be flown back to Los Angeles to record more music, family members said.

"I think I'm still in shock that this is happening - getting to record my first album and this whole awesome experience is a dream come true," Iraheta said.

Fuller, who also serves as a judge on "Idol," called Iraheta "an incredible young singer."

"She is without a doubt one of the best teenage singers 'American Idol' has ever discovered," he said. "We all watched Allison grow in confidence and stature as she performed each week on the show and we can only imagine how far this special girl can continue to blossom in the years ahead."

At age 16, Iraheta was the youngest contestant ever to advance to the top 12 on 'Idol.' Now 17, she made it to the final 4 before she was eliminated.

"Allison was an absolute standout this season," said Barry Weiss, chairman and CEO of RCA/Jive Label Group. "Her bluesy, powerful voice, spunky attitude, and edgy star power immediately captivated us and it didn't matter where she ranked on 'Idol,' we knew we wanted her to join our amazing crop of young talent at Jive."

The summer tour of "American Idols Live" begins July 5 in Portland. The tour will visit 50 cities nationwide, including stops at the Staples Center in Los Angeles (July 16) and Ontario (July 17).

The tour wraps up Sept. 15 in Manchester, N.H.