Looking ahead to the September 16 release of her 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville album, Why Wait, season seven American Idol finalist Kristy Lee Cook is discovering the little adventures of life on the road as she continues on tour with the American Idols Live! Tour 2008.

One of her most peculiar moments of late occurred when a fan presented her with a boxed gift, instructing her to handle with care and not to turn it over, but assuring her that she’d like it. Being graciously accommodating, Kristy Lee recalls, “I just held it in my hand while I was continuing to sign autographs. When I got to my dressing room, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I certainly didn’t expect a fish in a box!” But things are going swimmingly, with the betta fish finding a happy home with Kristy Lee, as she laughs, “I named him ‘Dude’!”

Dudes and dudettes of all varieties are already enjoying the playful “15 Minutes of Shame” – the first single from Kristy Lee’s album – which ranks among the most-added new songs at country radio this week, while the digital single is available at online retailers now.

Season seven American Idol finalist Kristy Lee Cook has signed a recording contract with 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville. Arista Nashville is a label under the Sony BMG Nashville umbrella.

A 24-year-old native of Selma, Oregon, Cook is a passionate animal lover and avid horse trainer who sold her barrel horse to pay for her transportation to Philadelphia to audition for American Idol. Now in preparation for the American Idols Live! Tour 2008, Kristy Lee will team with producer Brett James to record her album between tour dates, with an album release this fall. Her first single, the playful, up-tempo “15 Minutes of Shame,” will impact country radio on August 11.

With the announcement of her recording contract, Cook said, “I’ve wanted this for so many years. To have the chance to be a country singer – to make the music I love – and to have enjoyed the support of so many American Idol fans this past season, it all means more than I can put into words. Thank you so much to everyone. I’ll do my best to make you proud!”

Sony BMG Nashville Chairman Joe Galante remarked, “Simon Cowell told Kristy Lee Cook on American Idol that she is a country singer. We definitely agreed and followed her very closely during the season. We have been anxious to get her into the studio. Kristy Lee will be very relatable to the country audience and is destined to have hits.”