'American Idol' star tarnished by tax lien
Human beatbox Blake Lewis could form a vocal group with fellow "American Idol" stars (see Fantasia Barrino and Ruben Studdard) who have had tax troubles. Records show Lewis, the season six runner-up behind Jordin Sparks, owes $124,798 in federal taxes.
Lewis, 28, who bought a $1.25 million spread north of Seattle, Wash., last year, will release his sophomore album this fall.
What's owed:
- The IRS filed a $124,798 lien against Lewis on July 10 in the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds office. According to the lien, he owes income taxes from 2007 -- the year he appeared on "American Idol."
His side:
His publicist said she could not discuss what led to the lien being filed.
"Everything has been resolved with the IRS," spokeswoman Jessica Erskine said. She would not elaborate.
But according to the LA County Recorder's office today, a lien release -- which would indicate the debt has been paid off -- has not been filed.
And the IRS does not discuss individual tax cases.
