Think you'd like to be an American Idol winner? Maybe not. I recently got an inside scoop on American Idol contracts from my cousin who is a music producer in LA. To my surprise, he told me that the contracts 
American Idol winners sign are basically useless for a number of reasons. This article will discuss the controversy behind American Idol contracts.
There is something called "career control" when it comes to American Idol contracts. "Career control" is the form of totally limiting a contestant's career to the specific interests of American Idol. For instance, it's been said that American Idol winners must sign a contract with American Idol's management company. The company goes by the name of 19 management. In more ways than one, American Idol's 19 management company "owns the contestants." 19 management makes it impossible for American Idol winners to record with companies that are not owned by the show's producers. Also, related agencies are allowed to manage American Idol winners' careers.
And sure, American Idol contestants are made aware of the contract's fine print before they sign it. But oftentimes American Idol contestants are so hungry for fame and success that they don't take the time to really get a clear understanding of what they are signing.
So in essence, American Idol winners are really losers. Sure they win a lot of money when they begin to produce some hit records. But American Idols winners are bound forever to 19 management. That means for the rest of their career, American Idol winners will be 19 management's property. American Idol winners essentially have no control. 19 management can opt to change the sound and style of an American Idol winner.
And in the event that an American Idol winner is cut off from the contract, as in the case of some previous contestants, his or her reputation is ruined and a singing career is practically flushed down the tubes.
Sure these controlled and manipulated American Idol winners will receive some money, but is money really everything? There are other things to consider when pursuing a singing career such as individuality, morals, and standards.
There is something called "career control" when it comes to American Idol contracts. "Career control" is the form of totally limiting a contestant's career to the specific interests of American Idol. For instance, it's been said that American Idol winners must sign a contract with American Idol's management company. The company goes by the name of 19 management. In more ways than one, American Idol's 19 management company "owns the contestants." 19 management makes it impossible for American Idol winners to record with companies that are not owned by the show's producers. Also, related agencies are allowed to manage American Idol winners' careers.
And sure, American Idol contestants are made aware of the contract's fine print before they sign it. But oftentimes American Idol contestants are so hungry for fame and success that they don't take the time to really get a clear understanding of what they are signing.
So in essence, American Idol winners are really losers. Sure they win a lot of money when they begin to produce some hit records. But American Idols winners are bound forever to 19 management. That means for the rest of their career, American Idol winners will be 19 management's property. American Idol winners essentially have no control. 19 management can opt to change the sound and style of an American Idol winner.
And in the event that an American Idol winner is cut off from the contract, as in the case of some previous contestants, his or her reputation is ruined and a singing career is practically flushed down the tubes.
Sure these controlled and manipulated American Idol winners will receive some money, but is money really everything? There are other things to consider when pursuing a singing career such as individuality, morals, and standards.
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- And sure, 19 management may be a good company, but its not exactly Motown or Sony.
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Posted on 05/12/2008 at 11:05:41 AM