Most of you know me as a gospel music fan and blogger. And that’s me. But by trade, some know me as an attorney. And that’s me, too.
So, for a moment, I’m swapping my blogger hat for my attorney hat to simply caution all of you would-be Sunday Best auditioners… be VERY CAREFUL of anything you sign as you go to audition for the hit gospel talent competition.
DISCLAIMER: Legal information is distinct from legal advice. The commentary that follows is not intended, in any way, to serve as legal advice. If you desire legal counsel and assurance, you are advised to consult a competent attorney.
First, please know that what I’m about to say is in NO WAY intended to slight BET or the Sunday Best program. Their legal requirements are generally similar to other televised talent competitions and many of the things that viewers and auditioners might consider “unfair,” are merely protections that the network and the program’s producers need, and deserve, to have in place.
With that said, I’m going to speak GENERALLY about how some of the agreements at televised talent competitions, such as Sunday Best, American Idol and Gospel Dream, operate. This info is not necessarily applicable to each televised talent contest.
Here we go:
1. You’ll HAVE TO sign it. Please understand that when you audition for a show, you will be required to sign a binding legal agreement. I’m not talking about just before the finals– I’m talking about while you’re standing in line with thousands of folks. If you don’t sign something, you’re not auditioning. Period.
2. When you sign, you’ll be giving your CONSENT to a lot of stuff. Most folks don’t care about this. At the preliminary stage, you’ll just be consenting to have your image, likeness, singing voice, etc. on TV. How else is America supposed to laugh at you or applaud you if you make it to the judges? Basically, you’re consenting to be on the show WITHOUT PAY. And the show can edit, manipulate and use the images and sounds that they get from you in any way they choose (even if it makes you look like a heathen). Further, the show owns, and can use, this footage any way it wants, FOREVER.
3. You might not be able to sing, dress or act like you want to. How many times have we heard “wrong song choice” from the judges? Or how many times have you sat at home and said “why is she singing THAT?!” Well, sometimes, it’s not really up to the contestants. Remember when I interviewed a bunch of the Sunday Best finalists last year? Several of them mentioned that they didn’t get to pick their songs at all. And let’s not forget about the mandatory makeovers. A good one can be anybody’s friend, but don’t start fussin’ about “holiness” if they color your hair and dress you like a lounge singer. This is what you wanted.
4. You might get a MANAGER that you don’t want. Some shows, within that early agreement, make contestants agree that they can be managed by a manager of the show’s choosing. This is particularly rough if you’re already working as an aspiring artist and you’ve already got a manager– you might have to drop him/her and end up having your career guided by a total stranger.
5. Some shows bind you to a RECORD DEAL. Many of you have asked me why Jessica Reedy doesn’t have a record deal yet. Here’s why… BET may have temporarily taken away her right to do so. Take a look at the Sunday Best release from this year’s auditions in Nigeria (click here) as an example… there’s a clause that says “if my appearance, name, likeness, voice, singing voice… are used in connection with the Program, I may be required… to enter into… an agreement for my exclusive recording services which may include an agreement for my exclusive songwriting services…” OUCH!
In effect, it says “in order to appear on the show, I may be required to sign a record deal.” So, you ask me “but, with what label?” Here’s the kicker– with BET’s “record label.”
Now, you and I both know that they don’t really have a gospel label, but look at the beauty of this clause for them. If a contestant is good, and has a huge fan following from the show, BET gets the FIRST opportunity to sign that artist to a label that it has, or will create. For how long? Let’s just say that I have spoken personally to a former contestant from last season who is STILL not allowed to sign a record deal. But we’re already getting ready to tape a new season!
Actually, I should amend that… BET will allow you to sign with another label, but only if they can split the profits with that label. Or maybe the new label will have to pay to buy you out. How much? Dunno exactly, but I can guarantee it’ll be too much for ANY gospel label to pay and still make a profit from your record sales. So, you might just have to wait it out and hope that people still remember you, or care about you, once the contract is up…
6. Some shows bind you to a SONGWRITING DEAL, too. This is where it can really hurt financially. In the same Sunday Best release I referenced above, did you notice the language that says “which may include an agreement for my exclusive songwriting services”? When you sign an agreement for your songwriting services, it generally means you’re gonna lose some, or all, of your publishing rights. Publishing rights refer to song OWNERSHIP, so you can count on losing some, or all, of the money from songs you may write after signing this agreement, IF you are signed to a songwriting agreement.
Note, also, the buzz-word “exclusive.” That’s right, buddies… exclusive means you can’t do a similar contract with ANYONE else. If you’re a writer, that means you can’t write for anyone else without BET taking a percentage of that songwriting money, because they’re part owners of any song that you write while under that exclusive songwriting contract. In the gospel industry, where so many artists write their own material, this could have a significant effect on your career and the money that you bring in from it.
7. You may be sharing your income for a while. In addition to recording and songwriting deals, some shows may take bites of every apple you can get your hands on, for years to come. From merchandising (like, a T-shirt with your picture on it) to touring revenue (if you’re so fortunate), the contract you sign MAY require you split the profits from any money-making opportunities you get as a result of your appearance on the show… and how are you REALLY gonna prove that your future success isn’t linked to your appearance on their national television program?
8. You might have to be where they want you, when they want you. Your cousin is gettin’ married the same weekend of an American Idol tour date? Sorry, you’ll have to miss your cousin’s wedding. Your goddaughter is getting baptized next Saturday? Yeah, well, that’s the taping of Celebration Of Gospel and we’re gonna need you in the audience for camera shots, soo… yeah. Catch my drift? The network doesn’t just get access to you for its show– it needs you to promote all things related to the show. If you’re trying to be an artist, that may be great for you. But don’t complain… this is what you wanted!
9. And don’t go using their name or logo, either. Funny how one-sided things can be– they can use your picture and name to promote their stuff, but don’t think for a MINUTE that you can use their logo or title to promote yours. To do that, you’ve gotta get consent from the network. It makes sense, I guess– they want to control how their brand is being used and discussed. What that means, though, is that it’s harder for you to book yourself for gigs or promote your independent record (you can’t necessarily say “from Sunday Best” or “from American Idol“). Unless you were incredibly memorable, most consumers need a reminder of who you are and why they should care. You may not get permission to GIVE that reminder, though.
10. You have only a moment to decide. This is, perhaps, the hardest part of the contract– you must commit, and commit QUICKLY. Eventually, the only thing standing between you and the judges’ table will be a wordy document that you don’t really understand. No one’s really waiting while you find an attorney and fax him your contract to review… either sign it, or leave. You won’t really be missed. Plus, this is your big shot. The shows are prepared to dress you up and put you on national TV to sing! But, decide now– what are you prepared to do in exchange???
Sooooo, I hope this helps to explain what some of the language you might see actually means. Again, NOTHING I HAVE SAID IS INTENDED TO SERVE AS LEGAL ADVICE. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL LEGAL COUNSEL WITH REGARDS TO ANYTHING YOU MIGHT SIGN. And that goes DOUBLE for anyone who makes it from the massive audition line to the televised stage.
Now, having said all of that, who’s auditioning???
Umm...wow...that's kinda dirty. How can you force somebody to sign with a "label" that doesn't even exist? I know everybody is trying to get their big break, but at what price?
So glad I never opted to go that route... May be worth it to some but OWN MY SONGS!? I don't think so... Jesus entrusted them to me and that's who's gon' keep'em to release them as God directs! Brutal but GREAT information...
Even if I was a singer, this would deter me.
All this time I was looking for a legal internship. I should've been standing in line explaining all the clauses, and sub-clauses, and heretofores, and wherewithalls. This is great information for anyone that wants to audition. I know so many people over the last 7-8 years that have auditioned for Idol, and are just shocked when they find out all of the fine print that goes along with simply standing in line. I hope this doesn't discourage anyone from auditioning, but I am so glad you put this out there so that hopefully people have just a minute more to make an informed decision. And, I hope they see that it's from a source not concerned with personal motives or any of that lawyer trickery that is so common in entertainment contracts. Lawyer EJ is so helpful! :-)
EJ, God bless you! This is just the type of information that auditioners need to see. I am not an aspiring singer, but I thank God for you. If nothing, those who read this blog will have a little more time to make thier decision. Question, without shows like this one, how do people get thier big break without knowing somebody?
This is not personal. It's observational. While it may be true that the candidates will have to agree to a contract, this doesn't appear to be about "informing" them. It appears as an "African-American" publicly denouncing another -- not to mention a "saint" publicly denouncing another one? You mentioned other shows, but you clearly went in on BET and Sunday Best. A.I. has been on a lot longer & if this was really about them, then it wouldn't have been noted in their final season. A HOUSE DIVIDED SHALL NOT STAND! ENVY & JEALOUSLY IS A SPIRIT WITH BAD CHARACTER. You must remember, a person can annotate or cross out words on a contract. Everybody is not blindly going into the show. Also, God has power over a contract, and He will cover His children. You must give God some credit. NO OFFENSE FOR REAL!
@Jesse i'm really not trying to start another tedious debate, but in your opinion would it have been better if Ej said nothing about the jargon on the Sunday best contracts? Sunday best has presented a lot of opportunities to aspiring artists, but if some of these past contestants knew then what they know now about their contracts, I bet some of them might have thought twice? There's nothing wrong with being an informed, no matter what the truth looks like. @ej do you still practice law since you started gospel pundit?
WOW...WOW..WOW. Great information. So many people eagerly get in their cars, board planes and trains without having a clue of what they are really getting into (me included). Thank you for this information. I'm actually thinking harder now about the upcoming audition in Detroit. Hmmm...what to do?
EJ, Great information! Thank you for sharing! Indeed, Sunday Best has been a springboard for aspiring artists, and I believe what you have provided here gives us an opportunity to make an informed decision. Getting a break in this business is extremely difficult without having established relationships, and some just might be willing to sign that dotted line KNOWING all that comes along with it, good and bad, just to have a chance....but KNOWING is what makes the difference. We perish, retard our process, place our destiny in the hands of others, because of a lack of knowledge. EJ, thanks for switching hats! Blessings.
EJ you are a lifesaver! God has been dealing with me where this is concerned and you have answered the prayer. I wanted exposure but the gift will make room for me, and I will allow it to...Back to youtube and my own album! DEGREE180!!!
Jesse wrote: :You must remember, a person can annotate or cross out words on a contract." In the case of these music programs, Jesse, that is not true. At all. For American Idol, there are usually 80,000-100,000 people applying each year. You sign the contract "as is"...or someone will quickly take your place. With all the people who want to be on Idol, do you think someone can march up to an Idol producer at auditions and say "Excuse me, but I'm not going in front of the judges until you take this paragraph out." LOL-they would kick you out of the audition line! There's not as many auditioners for Sunday Best, but there are many who will sign whatever - without even looking at it - if it gives them the tiniest hope of singing for a living. You can't blame someone for this, but EJ is just trying to present the pros and cons of doing this. If you Google some of the Idol contestants, you'll find that many of them-including WINNERS like Kelly Clarkson and runners up like Clay Aiken - had to hire lawyers to free them from some aspects of their Idol contracts. And these are the people who were successful on Idol, not the "small fry" who got a little bit of fame. The Idol winner and runner-ups contracts supposedly have gotten more agreeable in the past few years, because Idol was tired of having lawyers (who the winners could now afford) come after them. So I don't think EJ was picking on Sunday Best at all. It's the same situation on Idol. Jesse wrote: "Also, God has power over a contract, and He will cover His children. " God blesses everyone, but unscrupulous people exist (like the relative who allegedly swindled Ruben Studdard out of much of his earnings, requiring Ruben to sue) combined with singers who lack financial education and don't manage money well (like Fantasia Barrino, who lost one house to foreclosure, and - as much as she denies it - almost lost the other house to foreclosure -check the records. I truly believe Simon Cowell saved that house for her, though she will continue to deny it). Those problems are not God's fault. They just exist and they aren't going away in the music business anytime soon.
Thanks EJ for breaking it down! We get carried away with the lights and exposure but fail to read the fine print! You should do more such as breaking down songwriter agreements as well!
Myllum & Nisttt....You CAN cross out/annotate on a TV contract. I've done it before and still went on the air. Most importantly, God is still God whether you have to sue or not... Build a relationship with God & HE WILL LEAD YOU. MOVE ON YOUR OWN, THEN YOU WILL NEED TO PROTECT YOURSELF. Naming people is irrelevant, especially those who were on AI. This is not about that show. It's too late! It's also not about TV contracts. The motive is questionable -- not the "information." GOD HAS POWER TO COVER HIS CHILDREN -- even though we walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death. Unscrupulous people killed Christ, but he didn't need a lawyer. He sought THE WILL OF GOD!
I'm glad that they still let you appear on TV Jesse. But the fact still remains that the majority of the people auditioning will not read the contract to know what they're really getting themselves into. God does have the ability to cover his children. But God blesses knowledge, not ignorance. Hopefully with the information presented by ej, there can be more Jesse's making wise decisions.
mylum. Thank you, but the contract they MUST READ is the bible. GOD LEADS THOSE WE CAN'T REACH.
Nobody is arguing with reading the Bible and seeking the holy spirit for guidance Jesse. At some point in time, the Sunday best contestants will need to read the Sunday best contract. I'm still trying to understand how is EJ explaining what's on the contract " dividing the house?" If this is a gospel blog and the core fan base consists of contemporary gospel music lovers (some of which might be thinking about auditioning for the show), wouldn't it behoove the moderator, who just so happens to have licensed legal expertise, to keep his core audience informed? One of the worst feelings in the world is to make an uninformed decision that will affect your life for possibly years to come. If the information that EJ is giving is incorrect, then I am more than positive that BET will be on him before the weekend is over. I believe that EJ is a man of integrity and has evidence to back up his legal information.
LOL. Y'all, thanks for the support, but please don't feel like you need to defend me on this one. I suppose the information won't be for everyone and I'm fine with that. I'm encouraged by those of you who found it helpful and informative. @Jesse-- your initial comment dealt with one "African American" denouncing another, and one "saint" denouncing another. Aside from the fact that I haven't denounced anyone, BET is hardly an "African American" or a "saint." It's a business entity, the corporate and legal practices of which I feel at liberty to speak about without wondering if I have "divided the house." If anyone feels that this information isn't for them, I totally understand and respect that decision. I do want to be clear, however, that to take a posture that you can blindly enter into any natural agreement and assume that, as a child of God, you will automatically be supernaturally protected from the natural consequences of that contract is an error lacking Biblical basis. If you believe you have that authority, simply because you're a Christian, stop paying your mortgages and electricity bills regularly and see what happens. LOL That's too deep for me. Let's use wisdom, folks.
I know you don't need defending. This post really isn't brain science or a spiritual matter. By all means, I have nothing but respect for people's opinions. We all have them. You already know i'm ready to have yo back in a street fight if you need it! Lol! Just kidding, just kidding...
@mylum-- you ain't kidding. I know you're violent. Hahahaaha!!
Only when it comes to the last chicken leg on the table! Lol!
WOW! Sunday Best or Sunday Worst. That's pretty greedy to force someone to divide their income for years. This guy made a video on Youtube after he was not selected for the show. He really had a beautiful voice! I was surprised that he was not selected as well. Later he explained that maybe there was something better for him in the future. After reading this info on this site, he should be someone rejoicing.
"If you believe you have that authority, simply because you’re a Christian, stop paying your mortgages and electricity bills regularly and see what happens. LOL" ROFL! Thanks for the post EJ, very informational.
Some of this is stuff is we should already know before we go to the show. Like you have to give them writtern permission to be on the show, but most people just see it has well I have a chance to make it big so i'll just go walk in and they'll put me on the air. And most people don't care about that as long as someone famous is telling them they can sing they will sign anything you put in front of them. That's why so many people who have won on this shows are still broke years laters because they didn't read what was in front of them.
LOL @ "If you believe you have that authority, simply because you’re a Christian, stop paying your mortgages and electricity bills regularly and see what happens." Great information bro...LP3
@EJ - I tried to write subtly, but since you want to go there. You know I are not talking about BET, but "entities" are created by people. It APPEARS you are taking a direct hit a on the producers of Sunday Best (Kirk Franklin et al). Why didn't you post this info when American Idol first hit as opposed to when it is leaving. You speak specifically about the contract on BET for the Sunday Best show. What is your MOTIVE for speaking against that particular show? Is it because the "Black" in "BET" makes you feel the right to EXPOSE. The Bible says love COVERS. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to speak with the producers directly, since you know them or have interviewed them and let them handle it? Christians reason together, not promote a public cynicism against their progress. Have you spoken to Kirk Franklin, Bebe Winans or Mary Mary about this before you blogged about it? I'm not saying everything we as Christians do is right, but what I am saying is I would expect my brother to come to me and let me work the issues out he feels I have. Is that too much to ask from a "saint"? @Mylum - you keep street fighting perhaps that progress for you
CORRECTED @EJ - I tried to write subtly, but since you want to go there. You know I'm not talking about BET, but “entities” are created by people. It APPEARS you are taking a direct hit at the producers of Sunday Best (Kirk Franklin et al). Why didn’t you post this info when American Idol first hit as opposed to when it is leaving. You speak specifically about the contract on BET for the Sunday Best show. What is your MOTIVE for speaking against that particular show? Is it because the “Black” in “BET” makes you feel the right to EXPOSE. The Bible says love COVERS. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to speak with the producers directly, since you know them or have interviewed them so they can handle it? Christians reason together, not promote a public cynicism against their progress. Have you spoken to Kirk Franklin, Bebe Winans or Mary Mary about this before you blogged about it? I’m not saying everything we as Christians do is right, but what I am saying is I would expect my brother to come to me and let me work the issues out he feels I have. Is that too much to ask from a “saint”? @Mylum - you keep street fighting perhaps that progress for you
@Jesse-- Dunno why you're so personally invested in this issue, but to respond to you in fairness: This is sooo not a race issue, so I don't know where those insinuations even stem from. I didn't post this info when American Idol "first hit" because the blog didn't exist when American Idol first hit. Further, this is a gospel blog, so my focus will inherently rest on gospel-related issues. Of the nationwide, televised talent competitions that exist, Sunday Best and Gospel Dream are the only mainstays. Of those two, Sunday Best has its form online and auditions are happening right now. That's why it's relevant, that's why I've written about it now. To answer your question, NO, it would not be "more appropriate" to speak with the producers about this. What would I be speaking to them about?! In fact, that question demonstrates your complete misunderstanding of the purpose and content of this post-- I'm not AT ALL disappointed, shocked or angry with the contractual provisions that BET employs. Further, I DO NOT think they're unfair. Dunno if you actually read everything, but as I stated in the original post, "many of the things that viewers and auditioners might consider 'unfair,' are merely protections that the network and the program’s producers need, and deserve, to have in place". As such, there's nothing for the producers to "handle" (as you put it) because I understand what their contract says and why it says it. I have no beef about that and I don't think they need to change it. Your question as to whether I've spoken with Kirk Franklin, BeBe Winans (who's not EVEN a part of this show anymore) and Mary Mary merely demonstrates your lack of understanding of this issue. It appears that you just want to be vocal about something and, if that's the case, there are tons of topics on this blog about which you can disagree with me. This post simply isn't one of them. It's not an editorial stating my opinion; it's an objective legal analysis of what exists, provided for the sake of educating potential auditioners. If you are idealogically opposed to my posting of such an analysis, you'll simply have to get over it.
Well said EJ...it's a shame you had to explain your motive for such an informative 'analysis' of the industry which was certainly not derogatory in any way! Continue to stand strong and firm...you're doing a wonderful job and we appreciate you!
WOW @ Jesse! LOL! Quite the conspiracy theory you've got there! LOL... “...many of the things that viewers and auditioners might consider ‘unfair,’ are merely protections that the network and the program’s producers need, and deserve, to have in place“. Figured posting that line a third time wouldn't hurt, lol. And I personally think EJ is being too nice! I don't think it has anything to do with needs...they WANT the most they can get out of their 'products'! The nature of the business, I guess. But, I guess it's too much to ask that business conducted in the name of Christ be conducted differently... Correct me if I'm wrong, EJ, but I believe the reason for the post is to keep people from saying at the end of their Sunday Best/Gospel Dream journey, "I had no clue I signed over so many rights! Why didn't I try to understand what I was signing a little better!? I completely regret my decision! Why didn't EJ tell me?" (hehehe, lol) And I hope no one here believes that it is that easy to 'reach out and touch' certain gospel artists for comments, explainations, etc. I mean, really. And do you really think they personally wrote those contracts!? I sure hope not, LOL! If I were a gambing woman, I'd put my money on the fact that they've never read the dang on thing! LOL! Really, why would they need to?
Hi EJ Thank you so much for the information. You are correct, most of the time we go to these auditions and we don't have an attorney with us. Most of the people standing in the lines for that "big shot" the only thing on their minds is "Lord, please let me be picked". Most of probably couldn't afford an attorney, no disrespect to anyone, but everybody can't afford a lawyer. EJ, Mylum and Jesse, I know you are familiar with the artist "Prince". I know this is secular music, but he was a slave to WB for years and that's why he changed his name and became more reclusive because he was locked into a contract for years and his name became a symbol aka the former artist better known as Prince. This took a toll on his professional and financial career I would imagine. Why should I keep paying you thousands even millions of dollars? Sometimes "fools rush in" but we want somebody to help us in this industry of cut throats, thieves and liars. Business is business it doesn't matter if its secular or gospel music. People are people no matter whether they're in gospel or secular music it's all about the "$Benjamins$". You're looking for exposure to sell your vocal/instrumental talents and they have the cash to make a dream manifest into reality for 1 special person. BET, Sunday Best, Gospel Dream, Gospel F.O.C.U.S they are businesses and you are a commodity that's trying to sell yourself. Peace, out. Sistah Moon
When I tell you I am HOLLERIN' as I read these comments!! I SO wish I could find the book that's out there encouraging folk to argue a point and it'll make you look smarter! THAT book must be burned and replaced with "Religious Rantings Make You Seem Imbecilic". Now, THERE'S a tome who's time has come! **snickers** Great work, EJ. As usual!!
@Jesse now was that really necessary Jesse? I would think that we could agree to disagree without questioning my intelligence or ability to communicate and "progress" without physical violence. I wish you nothing less than God's best for you. Have a great day sir! :-)
All I can say is....WOW.
@EJ and @Mylum. I will agree to disagree. I was going to spiritual and you were going legal. As Christians we should be spiritual even on a "gospel" blog. I totally understand. I won't quote any more scriptures if that offends you.
I apologize for the double comment - the server froze. @EJ and @Mylum. I will agree to disagree. I was going spiritual and you were going legal. As Christians we should not be spiritual even on a "gospel" blog. I totally understand. I won't quote any more scriptures since it offends you. I still law to understand the power of God.
I apologize for the triple comment - the server froze again. @EJ and @Mylum. I will agree to disagree. I was going spiritual and you were going legal. As Christians we should not be spiritual even on a “gospel” blog. I totally understand. I won’t quote any more scriptures since it offends you. I'll study law to understand the power of God. As you say in the field of law -- "I rest my case."
*thinking to myself* I was fortunate enough to read it three times and I STILL don't know what he's talking about... Welp! Thanks for that, Jesse!
The bible says that our people die because of a lack of knowledge. While I understand that the bible should be our blueprint, God also elects people to let us know the legality of a contract. God also gives brains too to know the rules and regulations of the industry and this includes reality shows and many of our older saints got ripped off because there were no lawyers or anyone to advise them. This is why many of our saints lost money and still losing money and royalties because they were not educated. I just hope saints do when they go on a show like Sunday Best or American Idol that they need to read the fine print in a contract before they proceed.
"Wow" I searched for Sunday Best requirements and this is what I got - was not informed but I knew any opportunity this good has something to think about before moving forward. Thank-you EJ - Im in my fiftys and being in the industry once upon on a time, I see the industry still haven changed much..lol
on the otherhand, I dont think man can bind me to anything. I trust God!!
I jsut want sent Jessica Reedy a message. You paid for your anointing, and you think you were blessed before,God is not finish with you yet. Girl get ready to recieve more than you could think of. My heart has been blessed by your singing, but not only that. You carry your self in the way God wants us to. Stay strong no matter what may come. Love you Victoria
WOW so after all is said and done you still stuck at a job u don't want waiting for something to happen..................BUT hw are you going to work if you are being called to come to all kinds of stuff.i really don't understand this wholr thing i just knw its a big rip off
thank you for this intelligent post, too many times God's children even in the face of knowing otherwise chooses to be stupid and then justify it by saying God will cover. Yes God covers, but he also says wisdom cries out from the gates. Come on people lets stop bashing God's people when they try to educate us!!!!!!!!!!!!
My family member is about to go to auditions at Sunday's Best this upcoming weekend and I wanted to find out what finances are required after an individual wins the final audtion.. I googled my inquiry & found your info. I too thank GOD for your legal expertise. I am passing this website on and hopefully they will consult GOD and make the right decision. May the LORD continue to bless you.
Thanks for that information. People need to go into these things with their eyes and ears open. And that comes from me, an atheist (who loves gospel music!). Guess we're all God's Chillen in one way or another!
WOW. OK, so when the contract is signed, a person has given the right for his or her image or voice to be used whatever way the producers and that organization pleases, but what came off EXTREMELY WRONG to me was the use of the word EXPLOITATION in the 2nd paragraph. Now that's WICKED. I don't accept that A Christian show should have contracts that bind people as such. If the show's purpose is to really push those who have the talents, the contract has to be toned down, and have an period of time. Perhaps 3-5years. Just saying.