Phillip Phillips sued by American Idol bosses

American Idol bosses are suing former winner Phillip Phillips for cash they insist he owes them.

19 Entertainment bosses claim the singer, who won Idol's 11th season, has been holding onto $1 million of their money, and they're suing him for $6 million for breaching various agreements.

Phillips has been a thorn in the producers' side since the beginning of last year (Jan15) when he lodged a petition with the California Labor Commissioner, claiming 19 Entertainment bosses "manipulated" him into accepting jobs and accusing them of being in violation of California's Talent Agencies Act.

Phillips only appeared on the final season of Idol earlier this year (16) as a favour to the show's executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.

19 Entertainment declared bankruptcy on 28 April (16), just before a scheduled hearing into Phillips' labour complaint. The Chapter 11 filing put the singer's case on hold.

Now, 19 bosses claim they believe Phillips has been holding onto up to $1 million based upon the "anticipation" that his agreements with them, which include a recording and publishing deal, would be voided, according to The Hollywood Reporter.