Apparently, being an "American Idol" winner isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips has filed a petition with the California Labor Commissioner to free him from his contract with 19 Entertainment, the producer of "American Idol", according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Phillips claims to have been "manipulated" by "Idol" producers into taking jobs since winning season 11, including a free performance for one of the show's sponsors and not being told the title of his last album until it was publicly announced.

"I am very grateful for the opportunities provided to me through appearing on American Idol," Phillips said.  "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."

Other accusations leveled by Phillips include 19 getting as much as a 40% cut of his endorsement deals, being forced to work with a producer didn't have his best interests at heart, and that his contract in a violation of California's Talent Agencies Act, which mandates that clients only receive work from licensed talent agents.

A 19 spokesperson told the Reporter that it does plan to fight Phillips' petition, saying, "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."

 

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