Why American Idol Winners Really End Up Losing
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.
And sure, 19 management may be a good company, but its not exactly Motown or Sony. So what's an American Idol contestant to do? Read the fine print of the American Idol contract and really consider that he or she may be getting into more than the average music deal.
Published by clarissa
Clarissa's been writing for over 10 years in several different sectors including her college newspapers, local magazines, and online media. View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentI agree with about 60% of what you were trying to convey in your post. I think the real scam behind American Idol comes in the form of the show itself. For instance, the show's producers have already chosen their winner a few months before the live show aires. Everything that you see the contestants do is just a formality. So if you're trying to warn people away from the American Idol scam please take note of this fact and people will really turn away from it.
The 19 management contract is a standard contract that companies have used back in the day. With the new entertainment and copyright laws for the industry, new artists are able to negotiate what they want their management companies to do. Unfortunately in light of this fact companies like 19 management can still have people sign under the old contract versions and get away with murder. That is why most record companies are only trying to make deals with an attorney present rather than managers.