‘Idol’ Wants Out Of Contracts

Phillips has filed a petition with the California Labor Commission seeking to void his recording, management and merchandising deals with 19 Entertainment, which co-produces the show.

Though Phillips “remains grateful for the opportunity American Idol provided him” he as no kind words for the “oppressive, fatally conflicted 19 Entertainment … which has been structured to assure strict control of its winners to their detriment and for 19’s benefit.”

His petition alleges the company violated California’s Talent Agencies Act by procuring employment and forcing him to take jobs that only benefitted 19 Entertainment.

Examples included an unpaid performance for JetBlue and performing at a corporate event for an insurance company under the guise of an endorsement deal that netted the production company as much as 40 percent of the gross.

Further, Phillips says 19 signed a deal with a producer for the artist’s first two albums that rewarded the producer with higher royalty rates than Phillips.

Because 19 is acting as his manager and as a fiduciary, the company “has a duty to act with the utmost good faith for the benefit of [Phillips], always placing his interests above theirs,” the petition says.

Phillips is seeking the dissolution of his agreements with 19 Entertainment, an order determining the company has violated the Talent Agencies Act, disgorgement of commissions, fees, profits and other funds related to their agreement, and costs and attorneys’ fees. If Phillips’ petition to cut ties with 19 Entertainment is granted because of violations of the TAA, it could mean big changes ahead for all reality talent competitions that offer winners similar deals.