Kelly Clarkson Backs Down In Song Dispute

(andPOP) - Kelly Clarkson has decided it's OK for American Idol contestants to sing her songs on the show that made her famous.

American Idol has to get permission from owners of song licenses before the song can be used on the show. Clarkson initially said her songs could not be used by contestants on the show's fifth season, now airing on Fox.

Clarkson, who won the first Idol competition in 2002, told the Associated Press she doesn't want to be known just for her stint on the singing competition.

"They always talk about the big first thing that you did," she said. "I think the only thing that I do mind is I don't want people to only focus on that."

"I think that by ignoring the show you're ignoring the audience who put you there," said series judge Simon Cowell.

Sony BMG, Clarkson's label, said her management was in negotiations over which of her songs could be used.

BBC News reports her spokesman Roger Widynowski has said Clarkson was not allowing her songs to be licensed for other purposes and he had not been informed of negotiations.