‘American Idol’ winner Phillip Phillips sues 19 Entertainment, hopes to void contract
While we have certainly heard a variety of interesting stories as of late regarding “American Idol” and what happens with the show’s winners, this may be the most interesting story that we have heard to date. After all, we are talking here about what the implications could be for someone who makes it big as a result of the show, and wants to have a career that is much more independent of the powers-that-be.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, season 11 winner Phillip Phillips has filed a suit against 19 Entertainment, the production company that also in someways manages the careers of many contestants after the fact. He labels the group “oppressive” in his suit, and claims that not only has he performed at least one gig for a sponsor without compensation, but that the group has withheld information from him, including what the title for his sophomore album “Behind the Light” would be. In a statement, Phillip had the following to say in explaining his actions:
“I am very grateful for the opportunities provided to me through appearing on American Idol … 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.”
This is a complicated case, and ultimately one Phillip may struggle to win given the ironclad contract that many “American Idol” hopefuls sign before they compete. You are getting an opportunity to have an extremely successful career, and also a platform for fans. However, in doing so, you basically has to do what the show’s machine tells you to for a certain period of time. You can often renegotiate your contract after the fact, and Phillips claims that he has unsuccessfully tried to do that.
It’s hard to know where to side on this. We understand those claiming that Phillip should show gratitude to the show that made him a star, but at the same time, we’d argue that the success of “Home” in particular was due as much to the writers of that song and the Olympics as anything else. Also, how long do you have to pay the piper? At a certain point, you should be allowed to stand on your own two feet.
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