Though Steven Tyler deemed fan favorite Colton Dixon’s 7TH place finish in American Idol’s Season 11 to be “beyond shocking”, the 21 year old singer/songwriter held true to his musical passion and deep faith, viewing his elimination from the show as a huge opportunity.

While the remaining contestants battled it out for the Season 11 finals, he got right to work collaborating on 13 new songs in 13 days, the start of a songwriting process that ultimately netted him 22 potential tracks and led him to sign with 19/EMI-CMG/Sparrow Records. His highly anticipated debut album A Messenger, (release date January 29, 2013), features 11 powerful and infectious pop/rock tracks that showcase Dixon’s trademark balance of vocal tenderness and intensity, his energetic piano playing and, above all else, a sense of hope and inspiration.