American Idol season 10 contestant, Pia Toscano, who was believed to be one of the frontrunners, was shockingly (or not!) eliminated last week, but the journey has just begun for the singer.

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After the elimination, Pia got messages of support from several celebrities, including names like Ashton Kutcher, Minka Kelly and Tom Hanks. Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez, was visibly shaken and got emotional during Pia’s departure.

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“Honestly, I don’t know what happened,” Jennifer said. “[Maybe] people thought she was safe, as I did … Maybe there was something that wasn’t connecting [with the audience] that we didn’t see.”

“I told her to stay pure in her heart, to have faith and to know that if this wasn’t the path for her that there was something bigger for her,” Lopez said, recalling their conversation. “That there is something bigger for her. And I believe that.”

Too much drama! This is a reality show, not the end of the world. Look at Jennifer Hudson! As incredible as it may sound the Grammy and Oscar winner didn’t even come close to winning Idol. Jennifer came in seventh place!

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Pia is not upset. She is hopeful and a lot of doors suddenly opened for her a few days after leaving the competition. Pia possibly got herself a new hot celebrity boyfriend, Dancing With The Stars pro Mark Ballas (photo/video here), and a record deal.

According to US, Pia is in negotiations and will most probably sign a deal to record her debut album with Interscope Records, whose chairman is music producer/Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine.

“Pia is being signed to a deal with Interscope Records who are rushing her into the studio to record an album ASAP,” a source tells Us. “Starting [Thursday] night after the show, Interscope told her they wanted her and first thing [Friday] morning Interscope brass started calling every top songwriter and producer in town to get an album together and rush release it.”

The insider says, “Papers are being finalized. It’s basically a done deal. She’s signing. They rushed everything but she’s so excited.”

Hold on a minute. So contestants now get record deals straight out of elimination while the competition is still on. Somehow that doesn’t sound right because when the Idol winner is named, Pia and whoever else is eliminated and lands a record deal, is already a few steps ahead.

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So, what’s the point? Anyway, Pia and the rest of the Top 11 contestant will have the equal opportunity to perform and interact with the fans during the Idols LIVE! concert tour this summer.

[image: Adriana M. Barraza /wenn.com]