Lambert sued over Idol

Former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert is facing legal action over allegations he violated the TV show's rules by auditioning while under a music publishing contract.

Executives at Colwel Platinum Entertainment filed a lawsuit against the star in California federal court last Tuesday (01Nov11) alleging he worked with the company before he found fame on the talent show and signed a publishing agreement.

The lawsuit comes just weeks after company bosses attempted to release an album of Lambert's songs, titled Beg For Mercy, which was recorded before he shot to fame on the small screen in 2009. The record was put up for sale on the Amazon website, but Lambert's representatives allegedly ordered it be removed.

The lawsuit states, "The rules governing appearances on and participation in American Idol when Lambert was a contestant provided, among other things, that contestants were ineligible if 'As of the date of (the) audition, (they had)... a music recording contract... or any other contractual arrangement that would prohibit (them) from entering into a... recording contract...' A violation of this provision was grounds for disqualification."

The legal papers add: "Lambert, through his authorized agent and representative, knowingly materially misrepresented to Amazon.com in the 'takedown notice' that Amazon's promotion and sale of the album infringe Lambert's rights."

The lawsuit seeks a declaration that Colwel Platinum Entertainment bosses own half the publishing share of recordings made during Lambert's time with the company, as well as an unconditional right to promote and sell the material, according to Billboard.com.