Joey Martin and Rory Feek — the married couple that kept us on edge during TV’s “Can You Duet” contest show this spring — have signed with Vanguard / Sugar Hill Records where they are currently in the studio finishing their debut album.

Their first single will be “Cheater Cheater,” a rousing song that they premiered on the recent hit CMT show, “Can You Duet.” The couple came in third on the final show on June 13.

The duo was consistently praised by one of the three judges, Naomi Judd, for the chemistry they showed.

Martin grew up in Alexandria and was one of five children. Her sisters still live within 35 minutes of the Alexandria/Anderson area.

The couple recently shot the video for the show with director Peter Zavadil at their 1870s farm house in tiny Pottsville, Tenn. where Joey also runs a restaurant/cafe called Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse.

The two are is working with Grammy-winning producer Carl Jackson to finish their album.

Kevin Welk, president of Welk Music Group, said he was thrilled to have the couple as a part of the Vanguard family.

Feek said, “Joey and I are thrilled to be working with Kevin and his great team at Vanguard / Sugar Hill. This opportunity is perfect for us because they’re so in tune with our independent approach to making and presenting music. We’re excited about joining such a respected roster of artists, and being able to take the shot we want to take.”

Martin has had considerable success as a songwriter and released her solo CD, “Strong Enough to Cry” in 2005. The CD was co-produced by Feek, who also co-wrote some of the tunes.

However, the couple decided to team up musically for “Can You Duet.”