After publicly railing against him in one recent interview after another, original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is suddenly singing a different song and publicly apologizing to RCA chairman Clive Davis.
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"There has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the release of "My December," much of which has focused on a supposed feud with my record label, in particular, Clive Davis," Clarkson said in a Monday statement posted on her website. "I want to set the record straight on this by saying that I want my band, my advisors, those close to me and my record label to be one big, tightly knit family. Like any family we will disagree and argue sometimes but, in the end, it's respect and admiration that will keep us together."
Clarkson finished recording "My December" -- her third album and the first of which she either wrote or co-wrote every song -- for RCA in January, however it wasn't released until June 26. The reasoning behind its delay, according to reports, was because Davis "sat" on "My December" for four months hoping Clarkson would use the same producers who helped her craft "Breakaway."
The behind-the-scenes strife eventually spilled over into the media, causing Clarkson to call her label's song suggestions "insulting" and grouse that she "could give a crap about being a star" while Davis' stubbornness reportedly caused internal strife at RCA. Davis then used his sixth-season American Idol finale speech to champion songwriters and take a not-so-subtle swipe at Clarkson's decision to stand her ground.
"A lot has been made in the press about my relationship with Clive. Much of this has been blown way out of proportion and taken out of context," said Clarkson in the statement. "Contrary to recent characterizations in the press, I'm well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time. He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date. He has also given me respect by releasing my new album when he was not obligated to do so."
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"My December" debuted at No. 2 on The Billboard 200 weekly album sales chart for the week ending July 1, selling 291,000 copies in its first week of release. It currently sits at No. 5 on The Billboard 200 for the week ending July 28.
Idol judge Simon Cowell had recently requested Clarkson and Davis "kiss and make up" and also hinted that she should be more appreciative for working with the 74-year-old music industry mogul, and it looks like she apparently took Cowell's advice to heart.
"I really regret how everything has turned out and I apologize to those whom I have done disservice. I would never intentionally hurt anyone," said Clarkson in the statement. "I love music, and I love the people I am blessed to work with. I am happy that my team is behind me and I look forward to the future."
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio