"American Idol" Kris Allen signs with jive records

Winner of "American Idol" Season 8, Kris Allen

Just weeks after being crowned this season's American Idol, Kris Allen has inked a deal with 19 Entertainment and Jive Records to release his debut album this fall.

"As exciting as the last few months have been, I'm really looking forward to what is next," Allen said in a statement. "Everyone's been asking me what it's going to sound like. It will be very similar to what you heard from me on the show - definitely in the pop/rock genre. I can't wait to get started!"

Simon Fuller, executive producer of "American Idol" and chief executive of 19 Entertainment, said Allen won fans with his soulful voice, good looks and gracious demeanor, but his passion for music performing will make him a star.

Before Allen can hit the studio, however, he'll hit the road with the rest of the American Idol Season 8 finalists for a tour starting July 5th in Portland, Oregon.

Allen's post-Idol coronation song "No Boundaries" is currently Number 23 on the Hot 100 Singles Chart.

Jive Records is a unit of Sony Music Entertainment, a division of Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp.