In a new report from The Insider, on the petition American Idol season 11 winner, Phillip Phillips, filed with the California Labor Commission, to get out of his contract with 19 Entertainment, they speak with the singer’s attorney Howard King. We also get a few zingy soundbites from American Idol season 6 runner-up, Blake Lewis. Click to read the full petition filed with the Labor Board.
“Phillip has not been happy with the way 19 attempted to manage his career,” said King. “19 has been booking appearances without the required licences, and that’s against the law.”
Blake, who faced low sales and little promotion when his debut album was released in 2007, threw a little shade at 19. “You become like a cog in the machine as soon as you get off this huge television show,” the singer said, “I think they put their hands in too many places.”
“I never had a day to day manager,” Blake asserted, “I had one of the main people who tried to manage the whole entire company. I could never even get a hold of my manager sometimes.”
The report notes that Clay Aiken, Fantasia and Adam Lambert all extricated themselves from deals with 19. There have been more, not mentioned, like Kelly Clarkson, for instance. Kelly and Fantasia are BOTH still with 19 recordings, although they have moved on to new management. Season 6 winner, Jordin Sparks, who left 19 management early on, had her recording career held hostage, until she was finally able to move on to another imprint in the Sony family.
For his part, Phillips lawyer, King, is just full of bluster. “The labor commissioner, after a hearing, WILL void these contracts,” said King, “And will also require 19 to return a significant amount of the money they made.” Well. Gotta love his confidence. I wonder if he’s got Phillip convinced the outcome is in the bag.
FYI: The Insider is confused about who is running what. They name check Simon Fuller as the head of 19 Entertainment. He’s not. He sold the company a number of years ago and is running his own management company, XIX. It’s mentioned that Carrie Underwood has been happy being managed by 19. But she’s actually managed by Simon Fuller (WAS managed by Simon Fuller, she left the company when one of Simon’s employees did). So, a little more detailed research was in order here!
