It was announced today that "American Idol" phenom Crystal Bowersox has signed to 19 Recordings/Jive Records. Bowersox is currently gearing up for the upcoming "American Idol" tour which kicks off July 1st at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit. The talented 24-year old singer/songwriter is expected to release her debut album later this year.

"I'm really grateful to be given this opportunity to make an album and let people hear my music," Crystal says, "and I'm looking forward to working with all of the folks at 19/Jive."

Bowersox, who hails from Ohio, began playing music at ten years old. Her bluesy, folk rock sound, which was influenced by the likes of Melissa Etheridge and Janis Joplin, made her a favorite early in the competition. Bowersox says her success on the show was inspired by her one-year-old son.

Crystal Bowersox, the runner-up on the current season of "American Idol," marked her place in Idol history by having her own original song, "Holy Toledo" played during an episode of "American Idol." The first female to reach the "American Idol" finale since Jordin Sparks in 2007, the inspiring Chicago based musician recently entered SoundScan's Top Digital Tracks chart with her singles "Up To The Mountain" at No. 32 and "Falling Slowly" a duet with Lee DeWyze at No. 38.

"Crystal is one of the most naturally gifted and talented singer songwriters to have ever come out of Idol," says Simon Fuller. "The breadth of her talent is inspiring."