Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Thursday, June 8, 2016
The battle between 19 Entertainment and season 11 "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips has reached a new level of animosity.
19 Entertainment, which filed for bankruptcy protection in April thanks in part to reduced revenues from the "Idol" franchise, has sued him for $6 million, claiming he is trying to breach his contract with them as his manager. The lawsuit said Phillips has held on to at least $1 million in money due to them and anticipates $5 million more in the future.
Indeed, last year, Phillips filed a complaint claiming 19 Entertainment broke California labor laws, invalidating the contract he signed with them after he won "American Idol." He effectively was trying to get out of his contract with them. The bankruptcy filing placed his complaint on hold, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Phillips showed up on the series finale of "Idol" in April as a favor to producer Nigel Lythgoe. Phillips said he has no anger toward the show itself, just 19 Entertainment, which he believes forced him to perform and do work that he didn't feel was in his interest.
Phillips will be performing at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens July 30 with Matt Nathanson. Tickets are $69.50 each and are available here.
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
The second season of ABC's "Celebrity Family Feud" this summer will feature Kellie Pickler's family competing with Lance Bass's family.
Given that this is Pickler, host Steve Harvey will have a good time goofing around with her.
Pickler's episode is set to air June 26. That same day, Ernie Hudson also competes with NeNe Leakes.
She is performing at the Fred in Peachtree City July 29. Tickets here.
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Carrie Underwood performed "Church Bells" on Wednesday night during the CMT Awards:
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