For those who would give almost anything for a chance at superstardom, American Idol might be the entertainment industry’s version of a Faustian bargain: Through 14 seasons, the very successful Fox show has exploited the fact that there are millions of singers who are willing to sign onerous deals for the chance to compete. But season 11 winner Phillip Phillips isn’t going to let the deals he made as a precursor to his fame go unchallenged.

“I am very grateful for the opportunities provided to me through appearing on American Idol,” says Phillips. “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.”

The petition to determine controversy is grounded on the Talent Agencies Act, the California law that says only licensed talent agents can procure employment for clients. In the past, the law has been used as a cudgel by Hollywood artists from Arsenio Hall to Kesha who wished to escape paying commissions to their managers. Phillips now hopes to have the TAA applied to an entertainment company that has had its hand in his pocket even since he won Idol‘s 11th season on May 23, 2012.

Before Idol viewers voted him the winner that year, Phillips signed a series of contracts governing his management, merchandising, recording and publishing. The deals are quite favorable to 19 Entertainment, a company founded by Simon Fuller that also produces other shows such as So You Think You Can Dance. For example, according to the complaint, when Phillips does endorsements, 19 gets as much as a 40 percent cut.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY  HERE  AT THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER WEBSITE.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/american-idol-winner-files-bold-767088