‘The X Factor’ Season two champion Tate Stevens has signed a record deal worth $5 million with Syco Music/RCA Records Nashville.

A news release Tuesday reported that the 37-year-old country crooner from Belton, Missouri has relocated in Nashville and is already writing and recording for an untitled album that will be released in the fall on Simon Cowell‘s record label.

Tate hit Twitter late yesterday with the news, “This is really a dream come true, signed with Syco Music, RCA Nashville.  I am blessed because of you! #tatenation”

The newest ‘X Factor’ winner began as the lead singer with Outlaw Junkies in 2005.  He moved on in 2008 to form the Tate Stevens Band, a six-man ensemble that has toured extensively in the Midwest.

He auditioned in early 2012 in Kansas City and was selected to go to boot camp where he had to sing for survival.  The entertainer ended up competing as part of the top 24 in the “Over 25s” category and was mentored by L.A. Reid.  He was chosen to be part of his mentor’s top four and went on to win the top prize.

Stevens married his high school sweetheart in 1997, and they have a son Hayden and a daughter Rylie