‘Idol’? Forget about it

WHEN Kelly Clarkson upset the competition Wednesday with her Grammy wins for female pop vocal performance and pop vocal album, she took the stage to thank her manager, her mother, God, Jesus, her publicist, the musicians in her touring band and even category rivals Gwen Stefani and Bonnie Raitt.

But not “American Idol.”

Clarkson insisted backstage that she wasn’t snubbing the wildly successful Fox TV show that launched her career. “No, no!” she said. “I forgot to thank my dad, the rest of my family. I forgot tons of people.”

The oversight, though, is sure to fuel suspicions that Clarkson wants to distance herself from “American Idol” and Simon Fuller, the music mogul behind the show and her first hit album.

It’s also likely to aggravate those who were already miffed that Clarkson reportedly refused to allow songs from her new album, “Breakaway,” to be used by contestants on the talent show. “Idol” judge Simon Cowell recently lashed out at Clarkson, saying she would not be in her current position if it weren’t for the series.

Clarkson dismissed those claims Wednesday, saying that she never barred her songs from being used on “Idol” and adding, “I just think they were trying to get some press.”

Still, Clarkson in recent months has made no secret that she is on a more satisfying career course, one that differed from Fuller’s plans for her. She has said that her new managers understand her better and have let her become more involved with her music.

With “Breakaway,” she expanded her audience beyond “Idol” devotees, particularly with the hit “Since U Been Gone.” Even hardened rock listeners and critics said they grudgingly fell under the spell of that single -- an anthem-like dis of an ex -- and other songs off the album.

Clarkson’s fairy tale success also cast a cloud over another Cinderella story: Mariah Carey. Carey had staged the comeback of the year with her hit singles and albums and took home three Grammys, but couldn’t top Clarkson in the female pop vocal performance category. Another “Idol” winner, Fantasia, also didn’t fare as well. She lost in all four R&B; categories in which she was nominated.

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Special correspondent Steve Hochman contributed to this report.