Crystal Bowersox told the Toledo Free Press in an interview this evening that she has not–contrary to a report from Billboard Magazine–signed a recording contract yet.
Via the Toledo Free Press:
Billboard.com reported May 28 that “American Idol” runner-up Bowersox has been “signed to 19 Recordings Limited and Jive Records, ” but when asked to comment about the news, she denied knowledge of the commitment.
“I haven’t signed anything, ” she told Toledo Free Press in a phone interview at 6:27 p.m. EST May 28. “Unless it’s something I don’t have a choice in, I haven’t signed anything. There are a lot of details to be worked out and I haven’t signed anything.”
Bowersox joined on stage by Muddy and Muddonna
Bowersox said she and other “Idol” contestants “have a lot of help” in negotiating the myriad proposals and legalities of contracts.
ETA: At today’s press conference, one of the reporters asked Crystal “Did you sign two record deals?” and she answered:
“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.”
I didn’t include the question in my original transcript, because the exchange was confusing.
Crystal signs a contract with 19R. 19R works out a licensing deal with one of the Sony labels. 19R probably knows which label Crystal will release her album through, but maybe they have not informed Crystal yet. Billboard may have some inside info that Crystal does not.
In any case, Crystal seems to think that a decision has not been made yet, and that there are still a couple of deals on the table… Hm.