Crystal Bowersox:”I haven’t signed anything”

This is actually kinda worrisome to me at least. Not that she won’t end up getting signed, but if it was reported that she already was and now she’s saying she isn’t…something seems weird. Didn’t someone even say she’s listed on Jive’s website now?

I read the article too…as much as I want to see it happen, I wonder how likely it is that her album will be “100% original.” If she means all originals that she’s written, that may be unlikely from what a lot of people have said. I’m just worried they’ll mess around with her and then end up just signing her to something to keep her from going anywhere else.

Maybe she’s just being technical and like literally not hand signing anything yet.

Maybe they are very close to a deal and someone let the cat out of the bag early. I would also think that she and Lee would be asked not to comment about it until there’s an official press release by the label. But who knows! This will be interesting to watch.

Didn’t someone even say she’s listed on Jive’s website now?

Someone updated her Wikipedia page with the information. I’ve looked at Sony’s site, Jive’s page and RCA’s page, and she and Lee is not listed anywhere.

I thought that Billboard article was a little bit odd to be coming out so quickly and especially before the press releases had. In past years, I noticed that once the press releases were out, then in a few hours Billboard had their site updated with the news of the signings depending on whether it was the winner, runnerup, etc.

I have no doubt 19 is picking her up, it’s just that Billboard jumped the gun.

ETA: Why would she sign 2 deals? That is weird.

Odd question indeed, why would she sign two record deals? I hope someone releases an official statement soon, I’m getting worried

they are always two contracts : one for management and the other the actual recording contract

they are always two contracts : one for management and the other the actual recording contract

I thought the 2 record deals would be the one with 19 and then the one where 19 gives an exclusive license to the Sony label.

I thought it was odd the contracts were signed so quickly.

But why would she say, “Unless it’s something I don’t have a choice in, I haven’t signed anything.”? When she could just say that contracts are not signed yet because we have some details to work out.

She does not sound very happy. Hope she has a great lawyer.

They just reported on local news tonight in Toledo that she’s been signed by 19/Jive, as per the original Billboard story. Lol. Ah what fun.

The way this stuff goes with people that I want to see succeed, they’ll probably end up having a huge war of some kind and she’ll end up not actually getting signed by anyone.

They just reported on local news tonight in Toledo that she’s been signed by 19/Jive, as per the original Billboard story. Lol. Ah what fun.

The way this stuff goes with people that I want to see succeed, they’ll probably end up having a huge war of some kind and she’ll end up not actually getting signed by anyone.

I am sure everything will be sorted out and be ok at the end. This is all new to Crystal so she is just trying to make sense of everything. I am sure it is overwhelming. Jive will be lucky to have Crystal on their roster. :)

I am sure everything will be sorted out and be ok at the end. This is all new to Crystal so she is just trying to make sense of everything. I am sure it is overwhelming. Jive will be lucky to have Crystal on their roster.

Hopefully so. I’m sure that if it were me I’d have no idea what they’re talking about at this point with all the contracts either…lol I still don’t quite get why there’s a record contract and a marketing or managing contract or whatever, and they’re separate? I would think that your label would be the one that would market and manage you and all. It’s just crazy. I really do hope the girl gets to do her own music or at least the style of music that she wants and doesn’t just get pushed into something they feel will be “marketable.” Crystal seems like she has a lot she wants to say and do through her music and it’d really be nice if she could do so.

ETA – As I think I’ve read elsewhere, I believe Allison and Orianthi are also on Jive? Not that I’d want a whole album like this, but I’ll bet someone could work out a killer collaboration between Crystal, Allison, and Orianthi, for just one song or something. That could be just plain ridiculous.

The contracts must be crazy for all of them. Has any one purchased a house? It’s sign, sign, sign…. This obviously is way new to all of them and their families. There is a lot more a stake. Yikes! I hope they all can navigate through this stuff.

Something about her wording has me thinking – is 19 looking to have her officially signed to Jive, but Crystal more interested in signing with another label to match her music interests and vision? I could see this being an issue, though probably not one Crystal can do much about at this point. IDK.

The way I understand it is that in order to get into the top 24 they have to sign a contract that gives 19 first rights to them (that means that 19 has exclusive rights to say yay or nay to them first). The contract expires in late August. 19 has several recording division – It may be that executives at 19 were trying to figure out what division was best for Crystal. I know last year that Allison and Kris ended up at Jive, while Adam ended up with RCA.

So it could be that she hasn’t signed anything ELSE, but if she already gave 19 rights at first refusal, she may not be required to sign an additional contract. Does anyone else more familiar with recording contracts know more about how this works?

linda2u:
05/29/2010 at 1:08 am
The way I understand it is that in order to get into the top 24 they have to sign a contract that gives 19 first rights to them (that means that 19 has exclusive rights to say yay or nay to them first). The contract expires in late August. 19 has several recording division – It may be that executives at 19 were trying to figure out what division was best for Crystal. I know last year that Allison and Kris ended up at Jive, while Adam ended up with RCA.

So it could be that she hasn’t signed anything ELSE, but if she already gave 19 rights at first refusal, she may not be required to sign an additional contract. Does anyone else more familiar with recording contracts know more about how this works?

I’m not an expert at this, but from following past IDOLs and listening to their comments, I believe this is correct. The contract they have currently gives 19E for management (and possibly SONY for recording) first right of refusal on the contestants until their contract expires and is not renewed (which is usually just before the tour ends).

Crystal’s website (and Lee’s) was certainly up quickly, and while I guess it’s possible it was fabricated by someone not related at all to 19E, I doubt it. Here is the link. The first thing I noticed was the initial comment was from “RCA Music Group” – so I thought she was being signed to the RCA label.

http://www.crystalbowersox.com/

I also understand that the IDOLs usually do their contract work at the SONY location in NYC where the legal group resides, so it’s also possible that Crystal and Lee will have some meetings along these lines this week while they’re doing the morning show/press rounds. I specifically remember David A going into NY to do some contract work during the tour at the Newark stop, because we were waiting in line to get his autograph and someone noted he was in the SONY building in NYC and therefore wouldn’t be there to sign autographs.

Last, Kris just recently signed a publishing deal with Universal, so I think there is a management contract, a recording contract and if the artist writes, a publishing contract. Crystal most definitely will be writing or co-writing, so she will need one of these contracts to ensure she is getting proper credit/compensation for use of her songs.

My guess is the official contracts haven’t been finalized, but the decision has been made by 19E/SONY that she will be signed and possibly to which label.

Jive seemed an odd fit for me so I’m not surprised it isn’t official-official yet from Crystal. I’m shocked Billboard would jump the gun. They have a reputation as being reliable.

Let’s hope this is nothing to worry about.

I was going to ask who were Muddy and Muddonna. Seeing the article, it all made sense!

ETA: Why would she sign 2 deals? That is weird.

They probably have to sign contracts with 19R and whichever Sony label their music is licensed to. They probably don’t have a big say in which Sony label they go to, but they probably still have to go through the legalities of signing. As MJ posted, it’s a good bet that 19 already knows which label and Sony wants to sign them.

19 has several recording division – It may be that executives at 19 were trying to figure out what division was best for Crystal.

19 doesn’t have several recording divisions. Sony has a lot of different labels, 19 and Sony are two separate companies.

19 has several recording division –

Not exactly! 19R is the only recording division on the 19 stable of companies. (19M is the artist management arm, 19E is what produces the TV show). 19R has a licensing deal with Sony, which is a totally separate company. Crystal is no doubt signed to 19R… I think they all are once they hit the top 24. The only issue is which Sony related record company will be 19R’s partner on the project.

The only thing that concerns me is that it sounds like they announced a deal with Jive before Crystal had a chance to actually meet with anyone from the company and see if its a good fit for her. In the past, Idols got a chance to at least feel folks out, or get presented with a contract (like Allison and Archie) right after the show – there is SOME contact with the licensing party. I don’t like the idea that she might have been bulldozed on this one. That is not a good sign. I hope it is just mis-communication on someone’s part.

They probably have to sign contracts with 19R and whichever Sony label their music is licensed to. They probably don’t have a big say in which Sony label they go to, but they probably still have to go through the legalities of signing. As MJ posted, it’s a good bet that 19 already knows which label and Sony wants to sign them.

Exactly. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that Shirley Halprin probably knows as well.

Both of those official sites for Crystal and Lee are legit. All of the past idols (insert name here) before their label deals were official announced looked just like Crystal and Lee’s do at this moment with the 19 logo at the bottom of the page. The only difference is that the label name isn’t there. Eventually, once the official announcements are made

For an example, here is Allison’s official site.
http://www.allisoniraheta.com/us/home

When you look at the bottom of the page, you will see the 19 logo and next to it, you will see the label designation (Jive) or as it says “Jive label group”

Here is Kris’ page:
http://www.krisallenofficial.com/us/home

After I signed off last night, I really started to think about all of this for a few minutes. I had forgotten about the licensing part.

I use these 2 as examples since they are both with Jive. Just about all of the contestant official pages are pretty much alike as far as the way the page is formatted except for maybe the background colors and other things.

I did a quick search and here is a snippet of Kris’ press release and here is how the title reads:

Kris Allen – 19 Recordings has signed the American Idol Season 8 winner and has licensed his debut album to Jive Records.

LINK

Here is a snippet from Allison’s from Idol Chatter:

Los Angeles, CA – It was announced today that 19 Recordings has signed Allison Iraheta, and her recordings have been licensed to Jive Records.

LINK

ETA: I gotta agree with tinawina here. It does look like it could have been something Crystal was forced into that she wasn’t comfortable with hence her wording yesterday.

But does she really have any choice or say in the matter of which label she goes to. These kids come into this with absolutely no cards to lay on the table, and no risk to themselves.

As I think I’ve read elsewhere, I believe Allison and Orianthi are also on Jive? Not that I’d want a whole album like this, but I’ll bet someone could work out a killer collaboration between Crystal, Allison, and Orianthi, for just one song or something. That could be just plain ridiculous.

Orianthi is signed to Interscope, which isn’t part of Sony, but she’s managed by 19M, which also manages Allison, Kris, Adam, Chris Daughtry, Carrie, and Cook.

There were reports last year that Kris was initially going to RCA, and there were a few signs to back that up, but when it didn’t happen, many wondered if it was because he somehow managed to convince tptb to sign him to Jive.

As others have said, in order to make the top 24, the contestants had to sign with 19R, so Crystal didn’t have a choice there, but she may still have a voice in terms of what Sony label she wants to go to, especially if there is more than one that wants her. She might not have a huge say, but she can still speak up about it.

But does she really have any choice or say in the matter of which label she goes to. These kids come into this with absolutely no cards to lay on the table, and no risk to themselves.

I don’t know. I don’t think you can technically FORCE anyone to sign anything, but if they refuse 19 holds all the cards and can block them from signing with anyone else for 6(?) months. The thing is, the Idols actually do become part of these labels’ rosters and get an A&R person, etc… so being comfortable with the label is important.

I am thinking right now about the difference in the way Bo and Carrie were treated. Clive Davis wanted to sign Carrie and release a pop record. Carrie strongly objected, and 19 actually fought with Sony to get Carrie put on Sony Nashville so she could release a country album. Meanwhile, Bo was signed to Arista (or RCA?) and basically got treated pretty roughly. He was harshly told he wasn’t going to get to write anything, that he was to do what he was told and release a pop record though that was not what he wanted, etc. 19 did not come to his rescue.

I think it boils down to how 19 and Sony see you, and how much they agree with your vision and/or respect you as an artist. That’s why I am a little worried… I don’t want her to get the Bo treatment. But I admit that worrying may be premature because this could all be a misunderstanding.

I don’t know. I don’t think you can technically FORCE anyone to sign anything, but if they refuse 19 holds all the cards and can block them from signing with anyone else fro 6(?) months.

Maybe this is more my point, end the end you go where they put you or you sit. I think the winner has more options as they would get first choice, but the runnerup has never gone to the same sub-label so the options become more limited. So even if she expressed an interest in going to RCA that’s not going to happen if Lee signs with them. So while she may not be as happy as she would be driving the bus, it is at least a major label contract, something she didn’t have previously.

Maybe this is more my point, end the end you go where they put you or you sit. I think the winner has more options as they would get first choice, but the runnerup has never gone to the same sub-label so the options become more limited. So even if she expressed an interest in going to RCA that’s not going to happen if Lee signs with them. So while she may not be as happy as she would be driving the bus, it is at least a major label contract, something she didn’t have previously.

I believe that both Katherine and Taylor were signed to Arista, so it has happened before.

If they don’t sign with a Sony label, and I can’t see why they wouldn’t, they are still signed with 19R, and the length of that contract was set when they signed the top 24 contract. So, conceivably, 19R could record and release their music, without licensing it to a Sony label. Of course, anyone who lets that happen would have to be out of their mind.

I think there might be a high chance for Crystal to be signed to Jive becos I always see her as some kind of soul/gospel acoustic singer, which is a bit similar to the soul acoustic style that Kris has. Unlike Kris, I could foresee Crystal having a hard time dealing with her label becos she seems like someone who would not compromise her artistic integrity at all. Her own songs and also those she has performed on the shows are really great but not commercial at all. Her label, whichever it will be, will never let her release her self-penned songs for her debut album. If she’s lucky, she might have one solo composition on her album. The first two or three singles will be completely written by other songwriters. Cook and Kris, both AI winners, have been through all these.

I am thinking right now about the difference in the way Bo and Carrie were treated. Clive Davis wanted to sign Carrie and release a pop record. Carrie strongly objected, and 19 actually fought with Sony to get Carrie put on Sony Nashville so she could release a country album. Meanwhile, Bo was signed to Arista (or RCA?) and basically got treated pretty roughly. He was harshly told he wasn’t going to get to write anything, that he was to do what he was told and release a pop record though that was not what he wanted, etc. 19 did not come to his rescue.

I think it boils down to how 19 and Sony see you, and how much they agree with your vision and/or respect you as an artist. That’s why I am a little worried… I don’t want her to get the Bo treatment. But I admit that worrying may be premature because this could all be a misunderstanding.

Unlike Kris, I could foresee Crystal having a hard time dealing with her label becos she seems like someone who would not compromise her artistic integrity at all. Her own songs and also those she has performed on the shows are really great but not commercial at all. Her label, whichever it will be, will never let her release her self-penned songs for her debut album. If she’s lucky, she might have one solo composition on her album. The first two or three singles will be completely written by other songwriters. Cook and Kris, both AI winners, have been through all these.

So more and more, people are starting to think that she’s gonna get railroaded into something that she doesn’t want. Nice. Heck with the precedent that people seem to think was set last year, they may just continue to throw her under the bus to prop up Lee and make the show look legit. If they mess around with her contract and don’t let her do what she should be doing, then they don’t promote her either, well of course she won’t sell as well as Lee, if she ever would have in the first place.

It’s telling to me that she’s already said that they’re going to allow her to sing her own music on the tour. Once. In Toledo. And only because she wrote a song with the title “Holy Toledo.” Yup, I can see how this whole thing’s gonna go for her right now.

So more and more, people are starting to think that she’s gonna get railroaded into something that she doesn’t want.

Yup, I can see how this whole thing’s gonna go for her right now.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I said I was starting to worry a bit however it’s really too soon to be concerned. I stand by that.

We really don’t have enough solid info to form conclusions yet IMO. I have my eye on it but I’m not freaking out.

The problem with Crystal is she probably wont have multiple labels at sony/bmg wanting to sign her. She is more of a smaller label artist who needs to write her own material. She isnt that commercial. So they should stick her on a smaller label and let her do her thing. If she gets signed to jive its most likely that no other label wanted to pick her up. Its like a fall out label for all the ones they dont want to sign.

I am glad Casey came in third and will have a little more say in what he does. Yes he will have to compromise if they sign him but he has more options. I heard he had three labels wanting to sign him therefore more options then someone like crystal.

If she gets signed to jive its most likely that no other label wanted to pick her up. Its like a fall out label for all the ones they dont want to sign.

And where did you get this from? Jive is a major label, the home of Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Chris Brown, to name just a few. The only person who is guaranteed a contract is the winner. Jive didn’t have to sign Archuleta, Crystal or Allison. They did so because they thought that they could make a profit off of those three.

Going by your statement, they didn’t want to sign Jordin Sparks, but when we compare the treatment that she received against what happened to Blake Lewis when he was signed to Arista, it’s clear who came out ahead.

Considering that out of more than 20 former AI contestants who have been signed by 19 and a Sony label, only 5 (if the Crystal signing is true) have wound up at Jive, your statement doesn’t ring true.

I am glad Casey came in third and will have a little more say in what he does.

If 19 decides to exercise their contract with Casey, he won’t have any more say than Crystal. Considering that Casey gave up on the season, the odds are long that 19 or Sony will offer him a deal. Speaking of third place finishers, I bet Danny wouldn’t have a problem if 19M had decided to manage him.

If 19 decides to exercise their contract with Casey, he won’t have any more say than Crystal. Considering that Casey gave up on the season, the odds are long that 19 or Sony will offer him a deal. Speaking of third place finishers, I bet Danny wouldn’t have a problem if 19M had decided to manage him.

Unfortunately this is true. I really hate that Casey gave up towards the end the way he did. He’s a talented guy that I really want to see succeed. Most 3rd place finishers don’t get picked up. Danny was one of the exceptions.

I bet Danny wouldn’t have a problem if 19M had decided to manage him

I’d be willing to put money on that.

ETA: This is Jive’s artist roster. When you look at it, you will see it’s pretty diverse.

http://www.jiverecords.com/artists

Casey isnt the typical 3rd place finisher. Thats all I am going to say about that.

I have heard things that he has more then one label wanting him. If that is true he will have a little more say in what label he wants and what they will let him do. Not saying it is true but if that is true he will have more say

I have heard things that he has more then one label wanting him. If that is true he will have a little more say in what label he wants and what they will let him do. Not saying it is true but if that is true he will have more say

Everybody off of AI has labels that want to sign them, but most of those labels just want to capitalize off of their idol fame. But, what you are having trouble understanding is that in order to make it into the top 24 they all had to sign contracts agreeing that if 19 wanted so sign them, then they could. It doesn’t matter how many other labels want to sign Casey, if 19 wants him, then that’s where he will have to go. Like everyone else, he has no choice. The only way out of the contract is if 19 lets it run out at the end of August.

Like I said, I think that 19 is going to let him go. I don’t think they are going to look kindly on what he did at the end of the season. He’s marketable, but there is a lot of work in building a career, and if he doesn’t care about putting the work in on a show where everything is being handed to him, how can they expect him to put in the work in the real world.

Now, it seems to me that this article that was in the Toledo Blade is from the same conference call that was posted in another thread on here on Friday. This was published in the Saturday newspaper here, and in this it says that she confirmed that she had signed a contract.

http://www.toledoblade.com/article/20100529/ART22/5290347

So one place it says that she confirmed it, in another it says she denied it – and it seems as though both “quotes” came the same day, probably within hours of each other – and from the same conference call? Something here just doesn’t add up.

She does mention that details have to be ironed out, but the whole thing just sounds really fishy. I can’t help but get this overwhelming feeling that they’re trying to railroad something through – maybe if for no other reason than to ensure that she can’t go elsewhere at the end of August and capitalize on the publicity that she got from the show. If I’m to read into it the way it seems to me, I think they’re trying to get her to sign to Jive and she’s probably asked about whether she’d be allowed to do her own music at all (as well as whether she could work with her old bass player and any of the other musicians that she’d worked with before), and they’ve probably said “well we’ll figure out the exact details later.” Of course if you’re smart (and I think Crystal would realize this), once you sign it, there won’t be any more details figured out until that contract is up – it’ll all be in the print of that contract, and it could be a LONG time before that contract is up. Yet because of what she’d signed before, she’s probably more or less bound to take something they offer so she’s really stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Personally? I think they figure that she’s not marketable and they’re gonna try to just push her aside – have her make an album but definitely not of what she wants to do, and then just sit on the contract after that, with no further action on it. I think that’s actually why they started de-pimping her during the season, not because she was losing the votes to Lee but because she was actually WINNING them and they had come to the decision that they didn’t want her to win. Just like people had been saying all along. I really do think they’re going to just throw her away, but not until after holding her back for what, like 5 years?

Actaully I do understand that they sign contracts. I was talking about if it is 3 labels within the sony umbrella. 19e is the management. I was talking about 3 labels within sony.

“I’m not sure of the legalities of my contract, actually, I know there’s some interest from a few different places, but we’re going to work it out.”

Crystal’s quote. I believe it! I think it will all work out. I just have a difficult time believing they will throw her talent under the bus. It may not be exactly what Crystal would envision, but honestly what is for anyone in life?

Actually Sony does not have the expertise to manage singer-songwriter artists like her. Their labels are all pop, rock, r&b and country. Crystal reminds me of Taylor Hicks- both great voice but not current. I hope she does not sign with Arista cos they really did a bad job in managing Taylor Hicks. Jive is at least more patient with their artists and does not drop them at first sign of failure. If Crystal really wants to release an album full of her own composition, she should sign with a major indie label which would respect her works and have the money to do the necessary marketing.

If she gets signed to jive its most likely that no other label wanted to pick her up. Its like a fall out label for all the ones they dont want to sign.

LOL where do you get that info from? Jive is home to two AI winners, Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen. Looking at the stable of artists Jive has, it gives me the impression that their artists are catering to music listeners who are generally young. Initially I find it a bit odd that they sign Kris but his album is partially pop rock so the fit is still there. However, Crystal does seem a very odd fit with the rest of Jive’s artists if she gets signed under them.

Her label, whichever it will be, will never let her release her self-penned songs for her debut album.

Actually, Kris was able to get one of his “self-penned” songs on his album – “Red Guitar” – so I think it is possible Crystal would get this opportunity. After all, she is the first IDOL ever to have original music play on the show.