Clarkson rep: No ‘Idol’ tussle

In her hit song, “Since U Been Gone,” Kelly Clarkson mocks a former flame with the line “I’m so movin’ on.” This week there was angry talk that the former “American Idol” has a similar sentiment toward the show that made her famous.

Simon Cowell, the show’s acerbic judge, lashed out at Clarkson for not allowing songs from her second album, “Breakaway,” to be used by new contestants on the massively popular talent show.

“No matter how talented Kelly Clarkson is, she would not be in the position she’s in now without winning this show,” Cowell told reporters Tuesday. “It’s the public who bothered to pick up the phone to 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.’ ”

Clarkson won the first season; the fifth season began this week with one contestant butchering “Since U Been Gone,” which was culled from Clarkson’s debut CD. That may be one of the reasons Clarkson’s camp was trying to keep her newer music off the show, but Cowell’s comments apparently inspired a quick turnaround. Roger Widynowski, vice president of publicity for Clarkson’s label home, RCA Records, issued a statement Wednesday that called the commotion a tempest in a teapot.

“Kelly Clarkson was happy to hear her song ‘Since U Been Gone’ on ‘American Idol’ last night,” Widynowski said. “As far as she is concerned, there is no conflict between her and the TV show. She intended all along to license additional material to the show and will do so when asked and within reason.”

Geoff Boucher