Phillip Phillips files complaint vs ‘Idol’ producers

MANILA, Philippines – American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillips filed a complaint against the show’s co-producers, 19 Entertainment.

The singer, known for hits Home and Gone, Gone, Gone, recently filed a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner regarding his contract with 19, saying that the company violated the Talent Agencies Act, which states that only licensed talent agents can get employment for their clients.

According to a report by Deadline, the singer felt like the company only gave him gigs and jobs that benefited 19 and its partners more than him. An example of such an incident was a performance he did for the airline company Jetblue, from which he says he got no compensation after the gig. 

He also added that the company has kept information from him multiple times, especially about his career. He claimed that his most recent album Behind The Light was titled without his creative consent, and was announced to press without notice. 

19 denied the allegations, saying that their relationship with the singer is nurturing and in line with his best interest, as said to Deadline. “We’re very proud of everything we’ve accomplished together with Phillip, working closely to help nurture his extraordinary talent and advance his career. We have always acted in the best interest of Phillip. We will vigorously defend ourselves from any baseless claims to the contrary and from any attempt to interfere with our rights and relationships.”   

Although the singer says he was grateful for being on the show, he felt uncomfortable working with the present contract he’s signed onto, and with the company itself. “I have not felt that I have been free to conduct my career in a way that I am comfortable with,” the singer said in a statement.

Phillip Phillips won against Mexican-American-Filipino singer Jessica Sanchez in the show’s eleventh season. He has since released two albums, The World from the Side of the Moon and Behind the Light.– Rappler.com

Phillip Phillips photo from Shutterstock