4 ‘American Idol’ Winners Who Parted Ways With Their Label
Caleb Johnson, Season 13 winner, left Interscope Records to find a label that supported him better. He eventually created his own label, Big Johnson Records.
Samantha Diaz (Just Sam), Season 18 winner, left Hollywood Records without releasing music and had to pay to reclaim her songs. She later signed with CrowdMGMT.
David Cook, Season 7 winner, left RCA Records in 2012 to self-release music, enjoying creative control. He also released music through XIX Recordings and Analog Heart Music.
Noah Thompson, Season 20 winner, recently parted ways with 19 Recordings to pursue a career as an independent artist, sharing his excitement about new music with fans.