When the Idols Live tour ended several weeks ago, Michael tweeted that he plans on releasing an album sometime in early 2010. Today in our exclusive chat with Michael (click here to read the entire transcript,) we asked him to give us the latest!

First up, Michael said that there will be a "huge announcement" this month. "I cannot tell you the [specific] details, but by the end of this month there will be a huge announcement regarding my recording career," he said.

Michael also revealed that he will be on tour again by the end of this year. "There will also be news soon about another chance to see me live on tour. As soon as I am able to speak about these things in detail, without dishonoring all parties involved, my fans will be the first to know...Lets just say that this opportunity to see me live will be before the end of the year."

And while Michael couldn't give out specifics regarding who will be releasing the album, when the album will be released, or where the tour will be, he did announce that it will be a country album that features original songs. "I will be recording original songs...I have over 900 songs written to date. 912 to be exact..I started writing when I was 14," Michael said.

Also, Michael told us that the recording process has already begun for his debut album. Michael is working in his brand new and state of the art home recording studio. And with so many other great country artists out there, we asked him if we should expect any duets on his album. "There will most likely not be a duet on my first album. I believe it is important to establish my solo career...but if the right situation came along I would not shoot it down without consideration," Michael said.

We were given the pleasure of debuting one of the photos from yesterday's shoot with Donna Quarles Studio & Gallery At DonnaQuarles.Com. (See above photo.)

Stay with AINow.Org and follow Michael's Twitter for the latest on his big announcement!

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