David Archuleta signs record deal

NEW YORK, June 5 (UPI) -- "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta signed with 19 Recordings/Jive Records and is expected to cut his debut album later this year, the U.S. label said.

Archuleta, 17, is gearing up for the "American Idol" tour, which kicks off July 1 in Glendale, Ariz.

"Signing a record contract with 19 Recordings/Jive Records is truly a dream come true," Archuleta said in a statement. "Being a fan of 'American Idol' since season one and admiring the alumni, I am honored and humbled to be a part of that group. I'm really excited to start working on everything."

Simon Fuller, creator of the popular singing competition series and chief executive and founder of 19 Entertainment Label Group, added: "It was fascinating to watch David's journey through 'Idol.' He is a genuine pop star, and is a gifted singer who instantly won over a huge audience when he first appeared on the show. Since then, he has dealt with the pressure and the high level of expectation with real fortitude; he's given us some of the best performances of the season. Without question David Archuleta has a great future ahead of him."