Adam Lambert facing legal action over pre-'American Idol' recordings

American Idol star Adam Lambert is facing a potential legal battle over claims that he violated the rules of the talent show by auditioning while under contract with a music publisher.

According to Billboard, Colwel Platinum Entertainment has filed legal papers against the singer regarding a series of recordings he made with them prior to his Idol appearance.

The company began marketing a new Adam Lambert album titled Beg For Mercy last month. However, Amazon.com quickly removed the album upon request from Lambert's representatives.

Colwel's lawsuit was filed Tuesday at Los Angeles Federal Court and claims that Lambert should have been ineligible for American Idol because of a prior contract he had with them.

Lambert's legal obligation to Colwel and its subsidiaries is reported to include both a music services and co-publishing agreement.

The company claims to have spent $200,000 on producing recordings with Lambert throughout 2007 and 2008, and are suing the singer for making false claims under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

"Upon information and belief, Lambert, through his authorized agent and representative, knowingly materially misrepresented to Amazon.com in the 'takedown notice' that Amazon's promotion and sale of the album infringe Lambert's rights," the lawsuit reads, according to Billboard.

The company are seeking a declaratory relief that they own half the publishing share of recordings made during Lambert's time with them, as well as an unconditional right to promote and sell the material.

Representatives for Lambert have yet to comment on the legal action.

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Watch Adam Lambert performing 'Sleepwalker' below: