19 Recordings sues Sony Music over 'American Idol' royalties

19 Recordings filed a lawsuit against Sony Music on Thursday for underpayment of royalties for American Idol talent which include: Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry.

The lawsuit is seeking $10 million in damages.

The biggest claim is the alleged underpayment for streaming royalties.

From THR:

In the lawsuit, 19, and by extension all of the artists -- including Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry -- who have entered into deals as part of their participation on Idol, claim that Sony Music has been systematically robbing them of millions of dollars in royalties. The lawsuit, seeking at least $10 million in damages, was filed after 19 exercised the right to audit Sony's books pursuant to recording agreements, and the parties couldn't come to any settlement.

"We did not want to have to file this lawsuit, but Sony left us no choice, so this became necessary to protect our artists," says 19 Entertainment worldwide head of music Jason Morey. "Our complaint lays out the claims in great detail. Everything we have to say about the case is set forth in it."

You can read the full complaint here (THR)