Tim McGraw files countersuit over "Emotional Traffic"

(CBS) Country singer Tim McGraw who performed Wednesday night on the "American Idol" finale, is embroiled in a legal battle over his not-yet-released album "Emotional Traffic."

McGraw has filed a countersuit against the record company that has accused him of trying to get out of his contract prematurely.

Pictures: A star for Tim McGraw
Pictures: "American Idol" finale

McGraw's counter suit against Curb Records over the "Emotional Traffic" seeks advance payment, recording-fund reimbursement and unspecified damages. It also asks that "Emotional Traffic" be deemed his last album for the label and that his contract be deemed fulfilled as of July 23, 2011.

The 44-year-old singer and actor, who sang "Live Like You Were Dying" Wednesday night with "Idol" winner Scotty McCreery, has had 11 consecutive albums debut at the top of the Billboard charts. He has won three Grammys and a host of country music awards.

In a suit filed earlier this month, Curb accused McGraw of breaching a contract that specifies that each new album be recorded no sooner than 12 months or later than 18 months after a previous one.

The company claims "Traffic" tracks were recorded too early in an effort to fulfill his Curb contract more quickly than the company had planned.