I think we've all learned by now that you don't need to win American Idol to hit the big time in the music business. The show's former contestant Haley Reinhart has officially been signed to 19 Entertainment/Interscope Records, according to a rep for the label. Haley managed to sing her way to third place in the popular reality competition and is now in the process of working on a debut album. They grow up so fast, don't they.

This deal marks yet another achievement in this year's long list of talented Idol contestants. Runner-up Lauren Alaina was signed to Mercury Nashville Records after the completion of the show, and Pia Toscano, who shockingly came in ninth place, has already released a debut single, This Time. She too is signed with Interscope Records. With spectacular women voices dominating the air waves nowadays such as Adele, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna, is there any surprise that music lovers are craving more strong, female singers? Haley is sure to fit comfortably into that musical niche.

Source: EW