‘American Idol’ Trent Harmon and Runner-Up La'Porsha Renae Both Ink Record Deals

Second place isn’t too bad for American Idol’s La'Porsha Renae.
‘American Idol’ Trent Harmon and Runner-Up La'Porsha Renae Both Ink Record Deals
ingers La'Porsha Renae (L) and Trent Harmon attend FOX's 'American Idol' Finale For The Farewell Season at Dolby Theatre on April 7, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
4/11/2016
Updated:
4/11/2016

Second place isn’t too bad for American Idol’s La'Porsha Renae.

La'Porsha Renae signed a deal with 19/Big Machine/Motown Records, and is joining the Universal Music Group family. Renae is joining season 15 “American Idol” winner, Trent Harmon who inked a deal with the record label, 19/Big Machine Records.

“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 said in an interview with 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.”

Idol winner Harmon, 25, will head straight to Nashville to record—a town known for the country music elite—once his obligations to Idol are over. Renae, will receive guidance from Ethiopia Habtemariam, president of Motown and president of urban music/co-head of creative at Universal Music Publishing Group.  

“We are extremely excited to partner with Big Machine and 19 Entertainment on such an incredible talent as La'Porsha,” said Habtemariam to Billboard.