Josiah Leming and Dying Mother vs. American Idol

I hesitated to post this since I am completely turned off by Josiah Leming's reps for using his "dying mother" as leverage against the American Idol producers. I understand that a lot of people are up in arms, but this is a perfectly timed release by Warner Bros. to promote Josiah Leming's 'Angels Undercover' EP -- which obviously has not been blocked by anyone. Notice that no dates were given as to when Josiah Leming received the letter from American Idol, and it's highly likely that he got this letter when he first signed with Warner Bros. months ago. Making it appear now that Idol is trying to stop Josiah from releasing an album in January and throwing in his mother for good measure is pretty low to me. What some people fail to realize is that Josiah signed the so called evil contract -- and when you are desperate for stardom you will sign anything. We wouldn't be talking about him today if not for American Idol. The idea that Josiah Leming is trying to tear down the Idol-brand that launched his career via PR blackmail bothers me.

Just how far is Warner Bros. going to use the Josiah Leming sob story and his dying mother for marketing? Here's the trailer for the documentary being included in the CD.

NO 'IDOL' THREAT OVER ALBUM (NY Post)

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.