One day after “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell slammed Kelly Clarkson for refusing to let the TV talent contest that launched her career use her hits, a spokesperson for the pop star denies there was ever a dispute over song rights.
“Kelly Clarkson was happy to hear her song, ‘Since U Been Gone,’ on ‘American Idol’ … and as far as she’s concerned there is no conflict between her and the TV show,” says her publicist. “She intended all along to license additional material to the show and will do so when asked and within reason.”
A contestant on the hit show’s season premiere warbled Clarkson’s massive hit “Since U Been Gone” in the first few minutes of the program.
Cowell, speaking to a gathering of TV critics on Tuesday, said that Clarkson would be making a “big mistake” if she barred “Idol” from using her songs after the show catapulted her to stardom.
“No matter how talented Kelly Clarkson is, she would not be in the position she’s in now without winning this show,” he said. “It’s the public who bothered to pick up the phone and vote for her. If she refuses to give songs to be used on the show, it’s like saying to every person who voted for you, ‘You know what? Thank you. I’m not interested in you anymore.”‘
“Idol” must get permission from the owners of song licenses, Clarkson included, before broadcasting the material. Clarkson’s representatives say they were in standard negotiations over those rights and that Cowell’s remarks took them by surprise. “Kelly is fine with her songs being used on the show. There was never an issue,” her publicist said.
A spokesperson for “Idol” agreed that negotiations were in progress and said it was not clear if Clarkson was ever personally involved in those talks.
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