The move comes months after Phillips sued 19 Entertainment, the company behind American Idol, demanding he be released from all his deals linked to the TV show, including his recording contract and merchandising agreements.

He also moved to dismiss his management team at 19 in late 2014, two years after winning season 11 of the hit reality TV show in 2012, and reportedly struck a new deal with Michael MCDonald of Mick Management.

Bosses at 19 have now filed a $2 million (£1.3 million) lawsuit against MCDonald and his company at Manhattan Supreme Court in New York City, according to the New York Post.

The publication reports 19 bosses are suing Phillips' new team for loss of earnings.