Trent Harmon, La’ Porsha Renae Sign to Big Machine

The final season of American Idol came to a close in a very special episode on Thursday night (April 7), and both of the finalists walked away as winners. In addition to Season 15 champion Trent Harmon, runner-up La' Porsha Renae has also signed to Big Machine Label Group.

Renae's deal is part of a partnership between 19/Big Machine/Motown Records. The new deal makes her the first artist signed under that arrangement.

“Because of the overwhelming fan demand and success of the farewell season of American Idol we have made the decision to sign both Trent Harmon and runner up La’Porsha Renae to exclusive recording agreements,” Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta says in a press release. “I can’t think of a bigger and better way to bring this American institution to a close. Everyone at the Big Machine Label Group, 19 Entertainment, the Universal Music Group and Motown Records are so thrilled with the outcome and can’t wait to get to work.”

Harmon has just released his debut single, "Falling," to country radio. Idol judge Keith Urban co-wrote the song with Dallas Davidson and Brett James. Borchetta believes country radio is the right place for Harmon, though it's been spotty for Idol winners over the years at best. In fact, the Nashville power broker admits that even he was skeptical about the power of a reality competition to make stars out of its contestants when Idol debuted.

“At first I was lifting an eyebrow going, ‘Can you really be launched into a career, and can it be real?’” Borchetta tells Taste of Country.

He believes Harmon has something that sets him apart as a country artist. “I think it’s very true to who he is,” he observes. “He’s always done country in his set. He lives on a true farm-to-table farm and restaurant … he’s a country boy.”

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