BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- A spokesperson for U.S. pop star Kelly Clarkson Wednesday denied there was ever a dispute over song rights with Fox's "American Idol," saying "Kelly is fine with her songs being used" on the talent contest's fifth season.

U.S. pop star Kelly Clarkson (E! Online)

    "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.

    "American Idol" judge Simon 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 is now without winning this show," Cowell said, responding to reports Clarkson has been reluctant to OK her songs' use during the show's new fifth season. "It's the public who bothered to pick up the phone to vote for her, and if she refuses to give her songs to be used on the show, that's like saying to every person who voted for her, 'Thank you, I'm not interested in you anymore.'"

    "Idol" must get permission from the owners of song licenses 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.

    The first episode of the "Idol" was watched Tuesday by an audience of 35.5 million, a 6% increase over last year's debut, according to preliminary Nielsen Media Research figures. A total of 33.6 million viewers tuned in last year.

    "Idol" was the most-watched entertainment program of the TV season so far, Fox said. Enditem

    (Agencies)