Summary
- Simon Fuller took Sony to court over royalties for Clarkson and Underwood after a years-long battle.
- The lawsuit raised concerns about Sony's treatment of streaming income from services like Spotify and Google.
- Clarkson faced difficulties with a producer on American Idol, while Underwood fondly recalls winning the show.
Both Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson certainly didn't need a jolt to their bank accounts, with a combined net worth of over $200 million. Nonetheless, the topic of royalties has become controversial not only in the world of film and TV, but also the music industry.
According to Simon Fuller over a decade ago, Sony owed Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson extra funds for their work on American Idol.
We'll take a closer look back at the lawsuit, and what went down behind the scenes. In addition, we'll reveal the other struggles Kelly Clarkson faced behind the scenes on the show, particularly with a certain producer.
A Private Settlement Was Reached After Simon Fuller Went After Sony On Royalties For The Likes Of Kelly Clarkson And Carrie Underwood
After a lengthy court battle lasting years, Sony finally reached a settlement over streaming royalties to American Idol stars. Implicated in the lawsuit were various artists, which included Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.
19 Recordings was behind the lawsuit, which was initiated by Simon Fuller. Simon was representing Clarkson, and Underwood, with the general feeling that they weren't provided with sufficient royalties for American Idol. According to THR, the case launched in early 2014.
THR wrote, "The case began in February 2014 and raised the issue of whether Sony was properly treating streaming income from digital outlets including Spotify, Google and Apple. Later, the plaintiffs attempted to amend the complaint to also object to how Sony had gained a substantial equity stake in Spotify allegedly in lieu of demanding fair-market royalty rates."
It is said that those in the recording business have a better chance at royalties, compared to other places that struggle, including television and film.
THR noted that a conclusion was made, but terms would not be disclosed.
"The judge discontinued the proceedings after being informed by the parties of the pending deal. The terms of the agreement haven’t been made public, with those involved either declining comment or not responding to a query."
It seems like a settlement was reached outside of court and, in all likelihood, Clarkson and Underwood were both compensated.
Kelly Clarkson Admits She Experienced Problems Behind The Scenes With An American Idol Producer
It seems as though Sony wasn't the only issue behind the scenes on American Idol. Without naming names, Kelly Clarkson said one high-up producer was not a fan of her makeup.
Clarkson tells Us News, “They were like, ‘So we’re about to be on camera,’ and I was like, ‘I know. And they were like, ‘But you’re going to be on camera,’ and I was like, ‘I know.’”
She continues, “But one producer in particular, very high up, was not a fan of me just because I didn’t play that game. And it wasn’t even playing a game. The other four girls that season were very into that stuff. They were very into it.”
Clarkson also admits that she iced out Simon Cowell during American Idol.
"I went up to you afterwards because, obviously, I was thinking, 'I think you're gonna win this show.' I said, 'I just want to say, that was amazing, Kelly, and I am here,'" he said. "You turned around to me and said, 'Simon... Without being rude, I would rather we didn't talk — seriously — until the end of the series.'"
Whatever the strategy was, it clearly worked for Clarkson who became among the most successful American Idol winners ever.
Carrie Underwood Still Has Fond Memories Of Her American Idol Journey
As opposed to Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood doesn't have many negative memories. In fact, she even shared diary entries from the night she won American Idol.
Underwood shared in her handwritten journal, "It came down to the final moment. Ryan [Seacrest] had the gold card in his hand. Oh year, I forgot to mention that they presented us with keys to 2 identical red convertible 2005 Mustangs! How cool is that?"
"Anyways, back to the story," she continued. "Big moment. I took one more look at the amazing crowd and let it sink in for a few seconds. Ryan said something like 'And your 2005 American Idol is...' My heart beat fast and I closed my eyes. CARRIE UNDERWOOD!!!"
Underwood went on to reveal that she was crying the entire time. A moment she won't ever forget, without a doubt.
