‘Idol’ Contract Dispute Moves Forward

Phillip Phillips’ legal battle with “American Idol” co-producer 19 Entertainment will move forward despite the company’s bankruptcy filing. 

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stuart Bernstein decided to put an adversary proceeding – a lawsuit filed separate from but related to the bankruptcy case – between Phillips and 19 Entertainment to put the proceedings on hold, pending a decision by the

John Davisson – Phillip Phillips
St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Saint Augustine, Fla.

California Labor Commission on a dispute involving the Talent Agencies Act, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

In 2015 Phillips filed a petition with the California Labor Commission seeking to void his recording, management and merchandising deals with 19 Entertainment. His petition claims the company violated California’s Talent Agencies Act by procuring employment and forcing him to take jobs that only benefited 19 Entertainment. 

Later that year, 19 Entertainment sued Mick Management and Michael McDonald for allegedly poaching “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips after 19 made him a superstar. 

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.