American Idol rejects lives-in-car guy, then sues him

19E not only cut the talented but erratic Josiah Leming from American Idol, keeping him out of the top 24 for the 2008 season, but they are also now suing to stop the release of his new album.

According to The New York Post, Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, the force behind Idol, is threatening to block the release of Leming's debut disc, due in January, citing violation of terms of agreement. Leming, like all contestants, signed a strict contract with 19E that stipulates he must record with the Idol-handpicked label, Sony/BMG, and gives the company exclusive right of refusal for management and merchandising.

Considering that Sony/BMG apparently didn't offer him a recording contract, he would seem to be clear on that point. He might have an issue with the right of first refusal clause, although one could reasonably interpret their not selecting him for the top 24 as an indication of "refusal".

Since Warner Bros. signed him to a record deal, I imagine that they had their attorneys review the 19E contract; I doubt they would have offered him a contract unless they felt that they were on solid legal ground.

I look forward to hearing Josiah's new album, sooner rather than later.