'American Idol' Lawsuit Claims Sony Music Screwed Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood & Other Alum -- Seeking $10M In Damages
Feb. 20 2014, Published 2:58 p.m. ET
American Idol creator Simon Fuller's 19 Recordings — with artists like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry and Clay Aiken — filed a lawsuit on Thursday against Sony Music seeking more than $10 million dollars in damages, claiming Sony has been intentionally stealing millions of dollars in royalties.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, after an audit of Sony's books was demanded by 19 Recordings (which is now controlled by Idol's owner, Core Media Group) and the artists that entered into deals because of their participation on the show, it was discovered that something looked off.
"We did not want to have to file this lawsuit, but Sony left us no choice, so this became necessary to protect our artists," 19 Entertainment Worldwide Head of Music Jason Morey told THR.
"Our complaint lays out the claims in great detail. Everything we have to say about the case is set forth in it."
The main claim in the lawsuit is that Sony has undercut some of Idol's most successful artists by underpaying them when it comes to royalties and pocketing the dollars for themselves.
"We have investigated this thoroughly and feel strongly about the claims," Richard Busch of King & Ballow