American Idol Bullies Homeless Kid

Remember the homeless kid, Josiah Leming, who made it into American Idol's Top 24 last season? I thought it was a shame he didn't make it into the Top 12, but he was sent home before the live show started. Anyway, he was one of FOUR contestants from last season's show to actually get a recording contract and now AI is threatening him with legal action. You see, ALL AI contestants sign a contract saying that if they record it has to be with Sony/BMG. Leming's contract is with Warner Records. Sony/BMG didn't offer him a contract! Now he's set to release his album in late January and AI is sending him threatening letters trying to block the release. Shame on them!

JOSIAH Leming, a homeless singer whose mother is dying of cancer, might be blocked from releasing the album he recorded because he was a contestant last season on "American Idol."

Leming, 19, who didn't make the show's top 24, received an official letter from "Idol" threatening legal action if he puts out his record in January as planned.

"Idol" contestants must sign strict contracts with the show's producer, Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, promising to record only with the label chosen by "Idol" - Sony/BMG. The 19 Entertainment shop also retains exclusive right of refusal for management and merchandising.

When the smash-hit show began in 2002, only finalists had to sign the contract - but now it's mandatory for all contestants.

A rep for Leming, who grew up in Tennessee as one of eight siblings, said, "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."

Leming was the young man who was living in his car, performing on the road, when he auditioned earlier this year and was told by Simon Cowell during Hollywood Week, "Of all the auditions this year, this is the one I am going to remember most."

Leming is now "is racing the clock," his rep told us. "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."

Leming's lawyer has shot a letter back to "Idol" producers but hasn't heard back. "We're waiting," the rep said. An "Idol" rep didn't return our calls or e-mails.
(Source: Page Six)