American Idol star agrees new album deal

'American Idol' runner-up Katharine McPhee has signed a new album deal with the jazz label Verve.

Billboard.com reports that McPhee's debut album for the label will be released before the end of 2009.

Commenting, Verve Music Group president/CEO Bruce Resnikoff said: "The album she is working on will show many new sides to her talents as an interpreter and a songwriter, and show everyone just how special she is."

Since 'American Idol', McPhee has released a self-titled album and starred in the films 'The House Bunny' and 'Crazy'.

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