American Idol finalist Bucky Covington just signed a deal with Lyric Records, the home of country mega-stars Rascal Flatts.

“It’s so amazing, what American Idol can do for a singer,” the 29-year-old North Carolina native, whose real name is William Joel Covington, said.

“People don’t realize that when they pick up the phone to vote they’re helping to make someone’s dream come true. So when [Sawyer Brown frontman] Mark Miller called me the day after I got voted off American Idol to tell me that I sounded great on the show, I couldn’t believe it!

“Now I’m living in Nashville, signed to Lyric Street Records, and getting ready to release my first single and debut album. Man, it’s unbelievable!”

This deal makes Covington the eighth alum from season five of American Idol to sign a recording contract.