PIA’S BIG DEAL

Pia Toscano is poised to take over the music world.
The Season 10 American Idol alum – and Howard Beach native — has just signed a recording contract with Interscope Records, released her debut single “This Time,” and is on the road with the American Idols Live! 2011 Tour.
“My single ‘This Time’ is about the journey to self discovery and empowerment,” said Toscano, currently in Los Angeles. “It is about finding yourself!”
The borough booed when Toscano was voted off “Idol,” and even celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Jennifer Hudson, Ellen DeGeneres, Alyssa Milano, Dax Shepard, Marlon Wayons and Ashton Kutcher were outraged.
“I think she’s an amazing singer. I was extremely disappointed when she voted off the show because I think she was the best of the season,” said Evelyn Velasquez of Howard Beach.
“She may not have won the show, but she is so talented she will definitely succeed in the business,” agreed Sara Woods.
“The best part of ‘Idol’ for me is all the opportunities it has allowed me and how many doors it has opened,” said a grateful Toscano. “Also, the fans have been so amazing to me. ‘Idol’ has turned my dream into a reality.”
And that reality right now is a brand new single, “This Time,” released on Tuesday, July 12, which is “a showcase for Toscano’s rich, emotionally transparent voice,” and an album, which she is currently working on.
“Signing with Interscope is truly a dream come true for me because I’ve always tried to get my music in the hands of Jimmy Iovine [Interscope Chair],” said Toscano. “It’s been an amazing process creating my first album. I’ve been collaborating with Rodney Jerkins, Harvey Mason Jr., Rock Mafia, Brian Kennedy and Esther Dean who wrote and produced ‘This Time,’ which is going to have an edgy, soulful, pop kind of vibe. A little different from what people perceived me to be on ‘Idol.’”
On Tuesday, July 12, she performed the song on “Good Day Sacramento.”
As for her success, Toscano counts her family as her biggest source of support.
“My family has been extremely supportive throughout this whole process. However, they are adjusting, as am I, to this new lifestyle. My life has literally changed overnight, but I am blessed to have incredible management and team that I can trust and my beautiful friends and family to always turn to.”
Her biggest challenge right now, she said, “is being away from my family and friends.”
“It’s also difficult dealing with so many false rumors and speculations as well as people who don’t even know you passing judgment on your character when all they know is what they see on TV or read in a tabloid,” she continued.
And as Toscano lives out her fantasy, she offers this bit of advice to young aspiring singers: “Never give up!!! There is no such thing as an impossible dream. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my hometown!”
The American Idols Live! 2011 Tour runs through September 10. Visit https://www.americanidol.com/tour/ for tour dates and more details. And visit Toscano’s web site at www.piatoscanoofficial.com for more on Pia.