Bosses of hit TV talent contest American Idol are threatening legal action against a contestant who is due to release an album with a rival record company.

Participants in the reality show are tied in to contracts promising only to record music with the program's associate label, Sony/BMG.

But Josiah Leming, who appeared in the 2007 series but failed to make it into the top 24, has signed a deal with Warner Records and his debut album is due to hit shops in January.

However, the 19-year-old, who was homeless when he appeared on the series, may be forced to scrap plans to launch his pop career - he has received a letter from American Idol chiefs, threatening legal action if he goes ahead with releasing the LP.

Leming's representative tells New York Post gossip column PageSix, "Josiah was the only Idol contestant ever to get a record deal who didn't make the top 24, and one of only four contestants to get a deal this year. He has personal reasons for getting his music out, threat or not.

"His mother has terminal cancer, and nothing is going to stop him from getting his music out while she is alive to share it. His album on Warner Records will be released in late January '09."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)

well, what's it going to hurt? Sony obviously has no interest in giving him a chance

That's so sad. I didn't like Josiah on the show and I still don't, but to threaten that kind of legal action against him, especially when he didn't even make the top 24, is outrageous.

I agree. He didn't make the Top 24, so why can't he go with the record company he chooses?

Apparently the AI folks haven't made enough money from the fans. Now they want a piece of everyone who ever had anything to do with that show.

;)

Pretty shady thing to do to the poor guy... I would hope the case would be thrown out of court by a judge with compassion...