‘X Factor’ Alumni Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, Astro Sign With Epic Records

Melanie Amaro may have landed a $5 million recording contract after winning “The X Factor,” but the talent competition has produced deals for several of her former competitors.

Second runner up Chris Rene, as well as Top 10 finalists, R&B crooner Marcus Canty and teenage hip hop star Astro, have signed with Epic Records (also Melanie’s label), the imprint announced on Wednesday.

“I’ve dreamt about this momentous moment my whole life and now it’s here,” Chris, who made fans in his audition with his original composition “Young Homie,” said in a statement. “I’m more than honored to be an Epic artist. Working with L.A. Reid — ‘Big Homie’ — is a dream come true. He’s a great man and I look forward to the opportunity to share my music with the world.”

Marcus, who held on until the final 4, narrowly beating out youngster Rachel Crow in one of the most dramatic eliminations of “The X Factor’s” first season, was also pleased with the news. He famously was given two years by his mother to “make it,” and was at the end of that timeline when he was brought on Simon Cowell’s reality show.

“I am very blessed and grateful to God for the opportunity to become a part of the Epic family,” Marcus said. “I am excited about working with my mentor L.A. Reid, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. This is history in the making, let’s go!”

Astro too, was involved in a dramatic elimination, when he came dangerously close to not performing for the judges, when it was the teen rapper and Stacy Francis on the chopping block. He managed to bounce back and grew a strong fan base due to his skills on the microphone.

“I’m excited to continue my journey with L.A. Reid and his staff at the new Epic Records. The first time L.A. saw me he said I’d be a star, and I can’t wait to get to work and prove him right. 2011 was Dope, but 2012 is gonna be Epic,” Astro’s statement read.

All three acts were part of L.A.’s team during the competition.