Just because one doesn’t win “American Idol” doesn’t mean they’re losers. In fact, some seem to do better than others. Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard anybody?

With that said, New York City’s own shining star, Pia Toscano is not only gearing up to record her debut album before the front runners get a chance to get into a studio, but she’s also tapped to sing the National Anthem this Memorial Day weekend.

Talking to People, Toscano says, “I kind of got a head start, and I didn't realize that." A head start is right as she was the ninth person in the top ten to be voted off the show by America, a month before we learned Scott McCreery was the winner. Although many of her fans cried foul, they will can catch the pretty brunette this Sunday on PBS as she performs live at the National Memorial Day concert in Washington, D.C.

As for the album, which doesn’t have a release date yet, Toscano tells People to expect a marriage of Pop and R&B, with super-producer Rodney Jerkins at the controls.

(Photo: Frank Micelotta/Fox/PictureGroup)