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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > October > 30 > Entry
10/29: NY Post reports Idol might block Josiah Leming’s album
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is a nutty turn:
After “American Idol” rejected Josiah Leming last year and didn’t place him in the top 24, the 19 Entertainment lawyers are threatening to block his album from coming out January on MCA.
“Idol” contestants must sign strict contracts with the show’s producer, Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment, promising to record only with the label chosen by “Idol” - Sony/BMG. The 19 Entertainment shop also retains exclusive right of refusal for management and merchandising.
A rep for Leming, who grew up in Tennessee as one of eight siblings, said, “Josiah was the only ‘Idol’ contestant ever to get a record deal who didn’t make the top 24, and one of only four contestants to get a deal this year. He has personal reasons for getting his music out, threat or not.”
As MJ noted, this is complete bullhockey on the part of the “Idol” folks. Why deny this kid a chance to get his music out?
- I skipped radio airplay and sales figures last week. Here’s the latest:
Jennifer Hudson remains in the top 10 on the album charts after a tragic week, selling 29K and 355K total. “Spotlight” sold 18K and 240K total. The single slips from 5 to 6 on the urban charts.
Jordin Sparks sees her single “One Step at a Time” fall to no. 10 on the top 40 charts via Radio & Records after peaking top 3. Her album sold another 4K and 941K total. Another 33K sold of the song and 908K total. That song will breach 1 million.”No Air” sold another 11K and 2.54 mil total.
David Cook has seen his single “Light On” jump back in digital sales with 34K sold for the week and 189K total. “Time of My Life” moved another 13K and 970K total, another that will break 1 million soon. “Light On” has yet to broach the top 40.
David Archuleta sees his single “Crush” frozen at No. 13 on the top 40 charts, shy of top 10. Single is at No. 16 on the download chart with 55K sold and 805K total. It’s a guaranteed million seller, too.
Daughtry’s “What About Now” has peaked on the top 40 chart and is now at No. 28. It sold 15K and 441K total. The album moved 6K and 4.26 million total.
Carrie Underwood “Just a Dream” has become her seventh number one song including her fourth off this current album. That is an amazing run. Digital sales: 19K for the week, 305K total. “Carnival Ride” moved up to 37 from 58 thanks to the Wal-Mart special xmas edition and sells 12K and 2.39 mil total.
Bucky Covington In its 27th week, “I’ll Walk” moves up to 12 on the country chart. It sells 6K on the digital download chart and 90K total. His album has sold 1,800 and 376K total.
Kellie Pickler Her single “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” peaked around No. 20 and is now slipping off the charts. Her CD drops to 59 with 8K sold and 79K total.
Kristy Lee Cook has managed to get in the top 30 with “15 Minutes of Shame.” Her CD sold just 1,000 and 20K total.
Josh Gracin edges up to 39 from 40 with “Unbelievable.”
Comments
By JTesla
October 30, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the numbers. I can hear Josiah crying as I type.
By JTesla
October 30, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
I just finished looking over MJ’s points regarding Josiah, I have to say that I disagree with her.
If you sign a contract, you should abide by the terms of the contract. I doubt the contract had a pity party exception, so don’t play the pity card to try and get out of it. If you don’t want 19 Entertainment to make money off of you don’t sign the contract! I’m confident that he will get his music out, but the kid needs a few lessons in how the business operates.
By Deirdre
October 31, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Morning!
I agree with you in principle, JT…he signed a contract and that legally obligates him to follow the tenets of the contract. However, I think Idol should not be allowed to maintain a contract on anyone who doesn’t make the top 24. I understand that they are hedging their bets, I just don’t think it’s fair to the kids who were rejected before an audience had the chance to start voting.
By Deirdre
October 31, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
Fox News is reporting that John McCain will appear on SNL tomorrow night.
By kellyfan
October 31, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
TGIF, y’all!
The whole Josiah thing is odd. Yes, he signed a contract, but really, they didn’t even pick him for the Top 24. I think they’re really just damaging their own image and coming off as opportunistic bullies. Who knows how that’s gonna play out? For the record, anyone know how long the contract lasts?
Regarding Carrie, it’s insane. I’ve looked it up and every single has reached # 1. The only debatable one was Don’t Forget to Remember Me, it went # 1 in Mediabase, but not Billboard. Has anyone heard her Christmas songs? Very nice.
By flats
October 31, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Good morning everyone!!!!!TGIF!!!!!DAWGS BALLS TOMORROW @ 3:30 ON CBS!!!!!!
By Deirdre
October 31, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I agree kf…Josiah looks bad on a number of different levels but Idol picking on a 18(19?) year old who has an album ready for release smacks of bullying. I don’t think they want to go there. They are viewed as a huge and powerful corporation….people are going to start thinking David and Goliath.
Now if Idol is smart, they’ll wait to see if the cd is successful, then use that contract to get their share. However, it’ll still seem like bullying.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
October 31, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
mornin’ m’bloggians.
happy hallowe’en. even. sooooooo glad i don’t commute to atlanta today!!! traffic is always a nightmare on hallowe’en, add it’s Friday, and the last day of “advanced voting” … not to mention whatever tourist attraction/convention is in atlanta this weekend…. urgh.
kf, Carrie didn’t storm the industry, or so it seemed, but somehow she’s moved right on up and up and up. I’m really glad for her, she’s talented, pretty, and seems to have a good head on her shoulders (except, perhaps, for all the rumors about who she chooses to date, LOL)
anywho….you-all have a great day, i’ll try to be back at some point…
By JTesla
October 31, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Josiah, to me, is looking like a freeloader. There is a lot of talent out there without a record deal, what do they lack? American Idol exposure. Josiah and his new label are using AI to make money, they are profiting off the investment made by AI, just as 19 Entertainment is looking to control some of their investment. Without AI, Josiah would not be a ‘nobody with a recording contract,’ he would simply be a ‘nobody.’
Interesting info on Carrie Kellyfan.
By Deirdre
October 31, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
I agree with everything you said, JT…However, I still think that Idol(no matter how right they are) is going to come out of this looking like a bully.
By harrietth
October 31, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
D and JT, I agree on both of your points. However, D is correct in that Idol comes off like a bully. People are going to remember the homeless boy who, against all odds (read Idol rejection), made good and now happily is poised for success. In walks Idol to tramp all over his dream. But, JT is absolutely right—without Idol exposure he is just a nobody and we certainly would not be having this conversation about him today. As they used to say, there are more talented people in Nashville pumping gas (or so it was back when pumping gas was a job) than ever get a record deal.
By flats
October 31, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Good idol tidbits.I cant wait for some of these stars come to my town.A kristy lee cook concert would be awesome with jordan sparks headlining.
By JTesla
October 31, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I’ve lost faith in people viewing corporations as bullies, but I am happy that gas if finally below $3 a gallon.
One thing that I started thinking about regarding the January release is, that’s when Idol starts up again. Has Hollywood week already happened for the next season? Who’s in the top 40?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
October 31, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
JT — strangely enough I haven’t heard anyone talking about hollyweird week yet. thanks to AI, there are so many “talent” contests going, between SYTYCD, DWTS, AGT, AI, Dance Crew, and all the other wannabe shows, perhaps it’s just not such big news anymore…
By flats
October 31, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
PORTLAND JAILBLAZERS!
By JTesla
October 31, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Boo-yah!
By flats
October 31, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
BOING!
By Deirdre
October 31, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
linny…I don’t think they do Hollywood week until mid Dec. They try to keep it as close to the start of the show as possible.
JT…it’s the media that view corporations as bullies and we sheep just follow along with whatever they say.
By Deirdre
October 31, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure that Josiah’s current label knew all about his Idol contract and is using a lot of sob stories to try to sway the public against Idol.
By flats
October 31, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
PORTLAND JAILBLAZERS!!!!!
By JTesla
October 31, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Boo-yah!
By Deirdre
October 31, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
I have an interesting story…I’m not telling it to get in a political discussion but because I’m surprised by what happened.
My sister-in-law works in NYC. She was stopped on the street the other day by someone working for a news agency that will remain nameless. They were taking a poll and asked her who she was going to vote for. She said John McCain. The pollster started to walk away and she stopped him to ask why he hadn’t marked down her choice. He told it that it wasn’t the answer he was looking for. ??????????????
By Nana
October 31, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
I’ve been MIA for the last several days. With the company move to Griffin from Norcross, this has been a b—-h of a week. I’m to darn old to be packing, moving, unpacking, setting up, and the whole nine yards. I think the worst is over, except of course my commute. That is the pits, I’m here to tell ya.
Kellyfan, if I remember correctly, the idols are under contract for two years with the winner being 5 years.
As far as Josiah, he just may have to honor the contract, even if he doesn’t like it. I agree that the producers sound as if they are just being jerks about his coming CD and that they want to make their bank account larger. Should they try to halt the release, I say no. They need to wait and see how well it sells then try to get some of the royalities, then they can really be accused of being the jerks and money hungry conglomerate that they are. If the kid had been in the top 24, then I can see them going after him, but please, give him a break. His CD made fall flat and NO ONE will reap the benefits of it. Only time will tell.
I, for one, will be so glad when this election is over and done with. I’m just really scared of the outcome.
Break is over, so I will check back in later. Since my home computer is down for the moment with a virus, I will try to be back before I leave the office. If not, y’ll have a great weekend, be safe and always be careful when driving.
By flats
October 31, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
PORTLAND JAILBLAZERS!!!!
By harrietth
October 31, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Good grief! I am gone. Hope everyone’s team wins. JT, I picked your Ducks over Cal this week. Go Gamecocks!
By Harmony
October 31, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
It’s almost over! Hoping for the best possible outcome! I really want it to be a landslide too! Go vote, please.
By Harmony
October 31, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Everyone have a happy, safe Halloween!
By JTesla
October 31, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
I hope they don’t let you down harrietth! Happy Halloween everyone.
By flats
November 1, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
DAWGS ABOUT TO PUT THEY’RE BALLS ON THE LINE!!!!!GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!TO ALL MY BLOGMATES OUT THEY’RE….HAVE A GREAT ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND!!!!!!!!