Young talent Franklin Mastrangelo just inked a multi-album deal with Mercury Records and is moving to Nashville to kickstart his career.
Franklin Mastrangelo, an emerging artist from Orient, New York, has officially signed a multi-album contract with Mercury Records. He is set to relocate to Nashville on January 15 to fully engage in his music career. The signing took place on November 15, 2025, just days before his 21st birthday, although the specific terms of the deal remain undisclosed. Universal Music Group, Mercury’s parent company, has not provided any comments regarding the agreement.
Mastrangelo, who will release music under the name Frank Mastra, has been passionate about music since he first learned to play piano at the age of three. His mother played a pivotal role in encouraging him to share his performances on social media. While studying at SUNY Oneonta, he began posting videos of his musical performances on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, it wasn’t until a chance situation at a grocery store that he became serious about social media. Short on cash, he called his mother for assistance, and she offered to help him provided he continued posting his performances online. This agreement led to him consistently sharing his music and ultimately gaining a following.
His breakthrough came through a video of him singing Ray Charles’s “Believe to My Soul,” which attracted nearly 50,000 likes and caught the attention of producers from “American Idol.” This opportunity allowed him to skip early audition rounds and go directly to the final audition via Zoom in July, which led to him being invited to Nashville for the show in October. Simultaneously, he posted another popular video performing Leon Russell’s “A Song for You,” which amassed over 240,000 likes and nearly two million views, drawing comments from celebrities like Josh Peck and Chance the Rapper.
The buzz surrounding Mastrangelo’s social media presence led to further industry interest, including an invitation to London from another record label, although that opportunity didn’t materialize. While continuing his studies, he received a message from Jay Saunders, who became his manager. Saunders quickly sent Mastrangelo’s material to Mercury Records, resulting in a call the following morning offering him a record deal.
Mastrangelo’s recent trip to Nashville for “American Idol” coincided with meetings arranged by Mercury, allowing him to collaborate with various songwriters and musicians in a fast-paced environment. Soon after, he was flown to Los Angeles to finalize his contract.
Growing up, Mastrangelo was influenced by his grandfather’s musical talent and the informal lessons he received from him. He has a diverse musical background, having studied everything from jazz to classical music throughout his youth. His high school years saw him participating in multiple music groups, showcasing his talent and dedication.
Previously enrolled in a music industry program at Oneonta, Mastrangelo took an academic leave to pursue music full-time after signing his record deal. He’s been writing and recording steadily, collaborating with producer Ian Fitchuk, known for his work with Kacey Musgraves. While he aims to create music that blends various influences, he describes his sound as reminiscent of a modern Van Morrison.
Mastrangelo continues to find inspiration in everyday moments and keeps a collection of notes for future songs. He reflects on the journey with gratitude, recognizing the privilege of pursuing his passion.