Record Deal for Alex Newell

The multi-talented Alex Newell, who was recently featured in Out's Hot List, has been gaining some serious entertainment ground since his television debut on Oxygen's The Glee Project. He told us earlier this that he was "the Jennifer Hudson of the show." Now he's a regular on Glee and is playing the first trans teen on TV.

"Playing Unique hasn't changed how I feel about myself," says the 21-year-old actor, who identifies as male. "But it has changed how I hold myself. Unique is so confident that I found myself [saying], 'You need to be the role model that your character intends you to be.' "

He also explained that he'll always be wearing heels on the red carpet, no matter what management tries to get him to do. Well, now he seems to be following in Hudson's footsteps with a recording contract.

Audiences will see Newell next in his first film role when Geography Club  hits theaters Nov. 15. But that's not all: The vocal powerhouse revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he has officially signed with Atlantic Records.

"Alex is such an undeniable talent with one of the most unique and distinct voices I've heard in a long time," says Atlantic Records' Craig Kellman.

"I am thrilled to join this new family and take another step in my career," Newell told THR. "Singing is my passion and to now have the opportunity to make my own music is a dream come true! I can't thank my new Atlantic and Deep Well family enough for welcoming me with open arms."

Oh, and to continue on that Hudson theme, see him perform Hudson's version of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" below: