Season seven "American Idol" finalist Kristy Lee Cook has signed with 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville.

The Oregon native, who is preparing for the American Idols Live! Tour 2008, will team with songwriter/producer Brett James (Jessica Simpson) to record her album between tour dates, with a release expected this fall. Her first single, "15 Minutes of Shame," will go to country radio in August.

Arista Nashville parent Sony BMG Nashville is also home to "Idol" alums Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler. Pickler was previously signed to Arista at age 17, but was dropped before any music was released.

"It was tough, because you have a chance and then all of a sudden, it's gone," she told Billboard earlier this year. "But if that hadn't happened, I never would have made it to where I am now. So I guess everything happens for a reason. I ended up moving home and then I auditioned for 'American Idol.'"

Ken Tucker, Nashville

~billboard.com