Final “Idol” Singers Ready for Solo Careers

Is there life after "American Idol?"

Well, according to the four finalists of season nine, most definitely. The singers say they all plan on releasing their own material, hoping to follow in the footsteps of former "Idol" success stories like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

[Crystal Bowersox, “American Idol” Finalist]:
"I think that we're all going to be really, really successful after the show. It starts literally right after the show.  We go on tour and we're recording on the road and we're doing everything all at once and it's just about the drive and the determination to get there and I can't wait to put out my original material."

As for contender Michael Lynche, he thinks all four could put out successful albums because all of their music tastes are unique.

[Michael Lynche, “American Idol” Finalist]:
"None of us are competing against each other and I don't think we will be competing after the show.  We all have our own lane and we're starting to get kind of good, so I'm looking forward to everybody's music."

Lee Dewyze, who many see as the front-runner for the "Idol" title, said that he's ready to focus on writing. 

[Lee Dewyze, “American Idol” Finalist]:
"For me...I'd like to sit in a studio, especially after going through all this, just sit down and start writing things and working on things I've written and co-writing with people and do different things and put together a good, solid rock album."

And finalist Casey James said that despite being pitted against each other, it didn't matter who was eliminated next – just being in the top four means that a record deal is feasible. 

[Casey James, “American Idol” Finalist]:
"We're all really psyched about getting to that point and I think no matter where any of us land up order-wise, that's where we're going to go with it."

The final "American Idol" will be crowned on May 26, 2010.