Pia Toscano, post-'American Idol': A date with Mark Ballas? A record deal?

If anyone out there has been feeling guilty about devouring all the rumors about Pia Toscano's personal life (a date with "Dancing With the Stars" pro Mark Ballas! And with his mother!) and professional life (a record deal!) since her unexpected elimination from "American Idol" last week, absolve yourselves:

"I really asked myself before I auditioned, 'Am I going to be able to handle everyone talking about my personal life?'" Pia told People on Monday. "And I am and that comes with the territory of this whole business." She added, "I guess if you're being talked about it's a flattering thing. It's a good thing that people want to know more about you so I'm OK with it." 

So then Pia won't mind if I report that she and Ballas are playing down the romance rumors after TMZ ran an awkward, yet also button-cute video of them leaving Gulfstream restaurant in Century City together. (The two reportedly met because her "Idol" trailer and his "DWTS" trailer were near each other.)

"Mark is a really sweet guy," Toscano told People. "We went out with a group of friends. He's just a really good friend, I guess." She added that, because Ballas is also on a show in which he is judged every week, he has been able to offer her advice and support, noting, "It's nice to have him in my corner."

Ballas, meanwhile, said Pia has made him a fan. "She’s lovely and she’s very talented,” he told Access Hollywood on Monday night. “I watch ‘American Idol,’ always have, she was my favorite, she was my pick to win and I actually voted too, because I know what it’s like when you don’t vote, you get eliminated.”

As for their date, "We kind of we went out with a group and it was a few of us there.... It’s where we kind of met and had a little chat and she’s a lovely girl," Ballas said. "I was super bummed for her getting eliminated, I thought she was going to win."

And Pia's rumored deal with "Idol" mentor Jimmy Iovine's Interscope Records? What of that? Apparently not a done deal yet -– or at least not one anyone will yet acknowledge:

"I've been so busy that I haven't met with anybody right now," Toscano told MTV News. "Seriously, I'm looking forward to any opportunities that are to come but I'm really just focused on the [upcoming 'Idol'] tour right now and getting some much-needed rest that I haven't gotten."

As for the Interscope deal in particular, she said, "I really don't — I don't know yet what's going on with that. Hopefully, good things."

Interscope is denying it, too. "This Pia thing is all just a rumor," a spokesperson told USA Today.

But with all this interest in Pia, what's the holdup? PopEater.com contends that it's "Idol" itself: Her contract with the show may prohibit her from releasing an album until well after the "Idol" summer tour is over.

"No way do the producers want a contestant who was kicked off having a hit record when the winner hasn't even been announced yet. The first hit song has always been from the winner and this year will be no different," an "Idol" insider told PopEater. "This is about protecting the brand, not about protecting Pia. She can record as many songs as she wants, but 'Idol' will refuse to allow them to be released for now until the show is over."

So … patience. But do you think a long delay in releasing an album will cost Pia her fan base?  Or will Toscano fans stick around until she's free to make some music? Will you buy her album whenever it comes out – because you're a fan, or because you're curious? I'd like to know.

Full Show Tracker coverage of "American Idol"

-- Amy Reiter

Photo: Pia Toscano is eliminated on "American Idol" on April 7 on Fox. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox.

Comments

[Wendy]

I don't think a delay will hurt her fan base. I can't wait for it to come out. I have no interest in AI now. What a ridiculous situation.

[Gary]

Pia was just one day late for showing off that awesome cleavage. Should have shown those boobs off on the competition night instead of during the elimination show. She would have doubled her votes. But she'll do great as a pro.

[Patty]

I think she's very talented, but if they make her wait until AFTER the winner and maybe the second place person record their records, people may forget all about her and she may lose some fans. Having said that, I think she should've WON, she was the best and shouldn't have gone home already. I don't believe the "dating" rumors with Mark Ballas. The press is planning their wedding already, calm down everyone! I think they're just friends, they only went out ONCE with OTHER people, it WASN'T a date, yet. Maybe they'll got out, but they're both busy people she'll be busy all summer on tour with Idol.

[AEvangelista]

According to Nigel Lythgoe, Pia doesn't have any fans. So why bother doing an album? It's because Nigel is lying.

[Brittany]

I'll buy anything she puts out. She has an amazing voice. Hopefully she'll have great music. She's my winner. I don't really care for any of the contestants left so I'll just pretend Idol is over and she won.

[Anti-Idol now forever]

Pia will be the MOST anticipated cd release of the group. The litte Mel Tillis is being programmed to win by the producers with all of their antics with Scotty, who ain't too hotty, Mcreery. The contracts are borderline unlawful that they make the contestants sign and De-Nigel Lythgoe is a complete and utter moron with his comments. Let him go back to the UK.

[John Dali]

I'm a millionare and I want to hire her!!!

[Cathy Ruff]

I agree, a delay won't hurt Pia, she's unforgetable! Our entire family is waiting to attend one of her concerts and yes, we will be buying her CD's. Can't wait!

[golly molly]

Whovever thought Pia she was boring would probably find those LEGENDS Sinatra and Streisand boring too , not that they would even know who they are. None of those screamers, one note jocks, or goofy looking guys will ever reach the heights of stardom and will fade into the woodwork after their first album.

[Ron]

I agree,
Pia will not be forgotten in the near future. She's got a killer body, an incredible voice, and a fine personality (not necessarily in that order). She can have anything she wants. She may just have to wait a bit for her dream to start becoming reality. But, it'll come for her, and I believe with the right help, she can be the next "carrie underwood", as far as popularity, but in her own pop genre. That said, it IS about good marketing.