Fox 'American Idol' Where Are They Now?: 2012 Season 12 Winner and 'Home' Singer Phillip Phillips Files Lawsuit Hoping to Get Out of Contract
"American Idol" Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips is petitioning the California Labor Commission in hopes of being allowed to walk away from the "fatally conflicted" contract he inked with producers when he was voted the Fox show's winner in 2012.
The Hollywood Reporter reports Phillips filed the petition earlier this month, alleging, among other transgressions, that he has been forced to perform for free and once wasn't told the title of his upcoming album until after it had already been publicly announced.
Phillips also contends he was required to sign a series of contracts with the show's 19 Entertainment affiliate before even being crowned the show's victort. The contracts allegedly allow the company to take as much as 40 percent of his endorsement income and control his publishing rights.
"I am very grateful for the opportunities provided to me through appearing on 'American Idol,'" said Phillips. "The value that the fans and the show have given to my career is not lost on me."
Still, Phillips actions suggest he feels enough is enough. The suit seeks to take advantage of California-legislated Talent Agencies Act, which stipulates only licensed talent agents are able to "procure employment for clients."
Phillips is also adamant that 19 Entertainment grossly mislead him when they arranged for him to work with a producer on his first two albums. He claims the company ultimately sought to take more control and receive greater royalties for their projects than he was led to believe is possible.
"I have not felt that I have been free to conduct my career in a way that I am comfortable with," Phillips added. "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."
Among Phillips' most accomplished works are the "Home" coronation song he performed on the show and his second album "Behind the Light."
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