It was inevitable, but now it’s official – Kris Allen has signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/Jive Records just weeks after winning the eighth season of “American Idol,” 19 Entertainment announced today. The singer’s debut album is slated for release in the fall.

"As exciting as the last few months have been, I'm really looking forward to what is next," Allen said in a statement. Of his original material, the singer-songwriter said, "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!"

Since winning “Idol” on May 20, Allen has made an impression on the Billboard charts. The Conway, Ark. native’s coronation single “No Boundaries” debuted at No. 4 on the Hot 100 and currently sits at No. 23, while his “Season 8 Favorite Performances,” a 12-song set packaged and released by 19 Entertainment after his win, entered the Billboard 200 at  No. 50 and is at No. 125 this week. The set has sold 14,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"He’s a super-talented singer and all-around gifted musician who has that rare common touch which will give him the ability to connect with the broadest possible audience,” Barry Weiss, Chairman and CEO of RCA/JIVE Label Group, said of Allen. “We're really excited to welcome him to the Jive family."

Record deals involving other Season 8 “Idol” contestants are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.