Phillip Phillips, former American Idol winner and popular pop musician is suing his recording label, 19 Entertainment, because he feels the contract he signed an “oppressive,” “manipulative,” and “fatally conflicted” contract.
“I am very grateful for the opportunities provided to me through appearing on American Idol,” states Phillips, “The value that the fans and the show have given to my career is not lost on me. However, I have not felt that I have been free to conduct my career in a way that I am comfortable with. I look forward to being able to make my own choices about my career and to being able to make great music and play it for my fans.”
Phillips was the season 11 winner of the popular television series, and has become one of the most successful contestants to come from the show.
In a petition Phillips comprised with the California Labor Commissioner he states that the label hired Greg Wattenberg to produce his first two albums, a move, which Phillips feels, was compromising his interests. He also feels that 19 Entertainment lied about the royalty rights that Wattenberg has been entitled too.
Phillips also claims that he was forced to perform for free for American Idol sponsors JetBlue and at other corporate events against his will. Phillips also claims that the company has taken 40 percent the money earned at corporate gigs that he has played.
19 Entertainment has released this statement regarding the current feud between them and Phillips, “We’re very proud of everything we’ve accomplished together with Phillip, working closely to help nurture his extraordinary talent and advance his career. We have always acted in the best interest of Phillip. We will vigorously defend ourselves from any baseless claims to the contrary and from any attempt to interfere with our rights and relationships.”
Many may be thinking, well American Idol gave Phillips his career, and gave him the contract that went along with it, so why is he complaining? A lot of artists feel that they deserve all creative rights, but it truly is the sponsors and labels that get the final say because they are the ones supplying the financial ends.
Photo: Austin Hargrave
