Eye On Idol: Toscano Rumor Mill

Following the surprise elimination of Pia Toscano from American Idol last Thursday (4/7), rumors about her future plans are swirling.
US Weekly is reporting that the ballad belter has already landed a recording contract with Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope Records, but ABC News reports that Toscano herself has denied signing anything and that she’s currently focusing on the upcoming Idol tour.
E! News has added that Interscope would at least like to release a single with Toscano while the show is still on, pending approval with 19 Management. It might make sense for Interscope to strike while she’s such a hot item, but it’s not confirmed at this point.
Interestingly, Yahoo’s Reality Rocks has footage of Idol Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe confirming that Toscano wasn’t ever really considered a front runner. People loved/respected her vocal talent, but she wasn’t their favorite. As to why her exit was such a huge shock, perhaps everyone just assumed she would make it to the end because that’s usually how it works on Idol for singers of her caliber.
Toscano also managed to get her name in the tabloids over the weekend for something not singing-related. According to TMZ, the singer went on a date Friday in Los Angeles with Dancing With The Stars cast member and pro dancer Mark Ballas.
So while the exact truth remains a little fuzzy, it looks very likely that Pia will soon rise to slay yet another big ballad.