19 Sues Mick Management

In a 30-page complaint filed in New York Supreme Court Sept. 21, Phillips’ former reps describe the singer’s beginnings and the life-altering effect of his winning during “Idol’s” 11th season in 2012, according to Courthouse News Service.

19 Entertainment develops and manages each season’s winner and has launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Jordin Sparks and others.

The suit goes on to explain 19’s involvement in Phillips’ success. “Phillips’ meteoric rise to stardom exemplifies the tremendous and indispensable benefits that 19 Entertainment has provided to its American Idol winners,” the complaint says. “Through the American Idol platform and 19 Entertainment’s tireless efforts, Phillips became an instant sensation, selling over 5 million copies of his first single, ‘Home,’ after 19 Entertainment developed an opportunity with NBC to feature the recording during its coverage of the 2012 Summer Olympics,” the lawsuit says.

Phillips is said to have met Michael McDonald of Mick Management when the singer opened for John Mayer on tour, then McDonald’s client, in 2012, the News said

. “Defendants knew that Phillips had an exclusive contractual arrangement with 19 Entertainment, but actively pursued Phillips whenever possible including during Phillips’ world tour with Defendants’ most successful artist and sought to pressure Phillips into breaking off relations with 19 Entertainment and enlisting Defendants’ services instead.”

During the tour, Mayer parted ways with Mick Management. From that moment on, “Defendants doubled-down on pilfering Phillips from 19 Entertainment,” the complaint said.

“After Defendants’ repeated interactions with Phillips, Phillips began airing supposed grievances about 19 Entertainment’s management of his career. Even after 19 Entertainment addressed the concerns Phillips identified, Phillips purported to declare a unilateral and immediate termination of the Agreement,” the suit says.

The company disagreed, stating the continuing validity and force of its contract with Phillips.

The singer responded in January by filing an action with the California Labor Commissioner, seeking to have the agreement declared null and void, according to the News.

Phillips alleged he didn’t get good management, but the agency says it worked “tirelessly” to make him a star and brought him at least $5 million. 19 Entertainment seeks compensatory damages of at least $2 million and punitive damages to be determined by the court.

McDonald told Pollstar he had no comment on the lawsuit.