From Foxnews.com
American Idol: Another Star Bolts
Im told its over between "American Idol" star Fantasia Barrino and 19 Entertainment, the company that owns the show.
In the last few days, sources say, Fantasia has fired her managers at 19 Entertainment, the firm that owns the TV show. Shes said to be considering offers from several new advisers.
Fantasia isnt the first "American Idol" star to ditch 19 Entertainment. Clay Aiken, the contests second series runner-up, got out as quickly as he could. His lawyer also extricated Mario Vasquez before the 2005 season was completed, because he feared the diminutive singer would win and then be tied to 19 for a long period. Vasquez is now managed by Arnold Stiefel, Rod Stewarts long time adviser.
Last March, Kelly Clarksonthe original American Idoldumped 19s Simon Fuller as her manager, claiming he wasnt really involved in helping her. Fuller is controversial figure: in 2003, British group S Club claimed that hed paid them each a total of $500,000, while Fuller himself made 100 times that amount off the groups success. Will Young, the British winner of that countrys "Pop Idol" show, has also feuded with Fuller over money. Ruben Studdard, who beat Aiken, has almost completely disappeared.
The timing of Fantasias departure is interesting, because her second album is due out on J Records in October. She also plays herself in an autobiographical Lifetime movie next month, directed by Debbie Allen.
But Fantasias career, which should have skyrocketed following her "American Idol" win in 2004, has been quite pedestrian. By contrast, Jennifer Hudson, who lost to her in that season, is about to become a breakout star in the film version of the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls."
Simon doesnt really care, a source told me yesterday. He encourages everyone to leave as soon as they can. Because of the contract, he still makes money from them anyway. Fuller also manages Annie Lennoxs solo career, and is responsible for celebrity curiosities David and Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice, creating their fame in vacuum of renown. Fuller often compares himself to the Beatles long-deceased manager Brian Epstein, because he invented The Spice Girls.
Fuller sold 19 Entertainmentwhich is named for a hit single by Paul Hardcastle called 19in 2005 to Robert Sillermans CFX company for $156 million, but agreed to stay on as an advisor. CFX also owns a majority interest in Elvis Presleys estate. Sources say that in recent months, ex-Sony Music chief Tommy Mottola has gone to work for the firm as a consultant. CFXs original name was SFX, which was responsible for the rise of Clear Channel Entertainment several years ago when Sillerman sold them a huge number of radio stations.
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American Idol: Another Star Bolts
Im told its over between "American Idol" star Fantasia Barrino and 19 Entertainment, the company that owns the show.
In the last few days, sources say, Fantasia has fired her managers at 19 Entertainment, the firm that owns the TV show. Shes said to be considering offers from several new advisers.
Fantasia isnt the first "American Idol" star to ditch 19 Entertainment. Clay Aiken, the contests second series runner-up, got out as quickly as he could. His lawyer also extricated Mario Vasquez before the 2005 season was completed, because he feared the diminutive singer would win and then be tied to 19 for a long period. Vasquez is now managed by Arnold Stiefel, Rod Stewarts long time adviser.
Last March, Kelly Clarksonthe original American Idoldumped 19s Simon Fuller as her manager, claiming he wasnt really involved in helping her. Fuller is controversial figure: in 2003, British group S Club claimed that hed paid them each a total of $500,000, while Fuller himself made 100 times that amount off the groups success. Will Young, the British winner of that countrys "Pop Idol" show, has also feuded with Fuller over money. Ruben Studdard, who beat Aiken, has almost completely disappeared.
The timing of Fantasias departure is interesting, because her second album is due out on J Records in October. She also plays herself in an autobiographical Lifetime movie next month, directed by Debbie Allen.
But Fantasias career, which should have skyrocketed following her "American Idol" win in 2004, has been quite pedestrian. By contrast, Jennifer Hudson, who lost to her in that season, is about to become a breakout star in the film version of the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls."
Simon doesnt really care, a source told me yesterday. He encourages everyone to leave as soon as they can. Because of the contract, he still makes money from them anyway. Fuller also manages Annie Lennoxs solo career, and is responsible for celebrity curiosities David and Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice, creating their fame in vacuum of renown. Fuller often compares himself to the Beatles long-deceased manager Brian Epstein, because he invented The Spice Girls.
Fuller sold 19 Entertainmentwhich is named for a hit single by Paul Hardcastle called 19in 2005 to Robert Sillermans CFX company for $156 million, but agreed to stay on as an advisor. CFX also owns a majority interest in Elvis Presleys estate. Sources say that in recent months, ex-Sony Music chief Tommy Mottola has gone to work for the firm as a consultant. CFXs original name was SFX, which was responsible for the rise of Clear Channel Entertainment several years ago when Sillerman sold them a huge number of radio stations.
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