Pia Toscano 'felt immediate connection with Rodney Jerkins'

Pia Toscano has praised music producer Rodney Jerkins's skills in the studio.

The former American Idol contestant, who signed a recording contract with Interscope Records earlier this month, told MTV News that she felt an "immediate connection" with Jerkins upon their first collaboration while appearing in the singing competition.

Toscano explained: "I love working with him and we had an immediate connection and great chemistry. He's got power and we're the perfect fit for each other... he knows how to produce a good vocal that's strong, edgy, fun and soulful."

She went on to reveal that she had Jerkins in mind as a collaborator even before signing her record deal, along with Underdogs co-founder Harvey Mason Jr.

"He's one of my good friends... When I went to the labels, I said I wanted to work with Harvey Mason Jr. and Rodney Jerkins and I'm just pinching myself right now. It's a dream, it's crazy," the singer said.

Toscano recently unveiled her debut single 'This Time', which she insists serves as more than just a break-up song.

Listen to Pia Toscano's debut single 'This Time' below: