Jackie Evancho Signs to Columbia Records

Jackie Evancho, the 10-year-old soprano prodigy whose performances on America's Got Talent won her a place in the blackened hearts of millions of viewers all the while hurling her into the national spotlight, has signed with SYCO/Columbia Records.

"Jackie has a rare and precious talent," said Rob Stringer, Chairman, Columbia/Epic Label Group, said in a statement. "We are excited to help develop that talent in her future recording career!"

"It's already been an amazing journey for Jackie and we are so proud of and happy for her," said Mike and Lisa Evancho, Jackie's parents. "Everyone at SYCO/Columbia shares our excitement about her future and we are pleased and honored to be working with such a great music company." I think it's incredibly cute that her parents are speaking for her. She's barely into double digits in age. How adorable.

Evancho catapulted into the America's Got Talent quarter finals round when her unaffectedly pure performance of Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" (one of Maria Callas's signature arias) handily won the show's YouTube round, selected by online fans. An odds-on favorite with viewers, Jackie performed four times on America's Got Talent over the summer. Rocketing into the finals, her astonishing classical crossover soprano performances marked the arrival of a major musical talent.

Jackie Evancho first began singing at the age of 7 after watching The Phantom of the Opera on DVD. She launched her own YouTube channel and started vocal lessons when she was 8 years old. A Pittsburgh native, Jackie performed at local talent shows, going on to perform at high profile events including singing the national anthem at Pittsburgh Pirate games.

Have you heard Evancho's angelic voice yet? If not. head over to YouTube and check her out. She sounds like a cherubim.