Kelly Clarkson: Is It too Late to Make Nice?
America's first "idol" sings mea culpa.
July 23, 2007 — -- It was all just one big misunderstanding — that's Kelly Clarkson's story and she is sticking to it while extending an olive branch to legendary music mogul Clive Davis.
This spring, a clash between the Titan and the Talent was apparent as creative differences — often a part of the business of making music — got an unusually public airing.
The 25-year-old Clarkson accused Davis of trying to sabotage the success of her third album, "My December," one for which she spurned songs he suggested in favor of penning her own songs.
But now, she is singing a slightly different tune.
"I am well aware that Clive is one of the great record men of all time," says the Texas siren on her Web site, www.kellyclarksonweb.com.
"He has been a key advisor and has been an important force in my success to date."
However, recently, it was a force with which Clarkson appeared more than happy to confront. In this month's issue of Blender music magazine she suggested the 75-year-old record label executive was too old to "get" her music.
Now she says comments about difficulties in her camp were "taken out of context" and "blown way out of proportion" by the media.
"Like any family we will disagree and argue sometimes but, in the end, it's respect and admiration that will keep us together," writes Clarkson.
And together with Davis it appears she'd like to remain: "I really regret how this has turned out and I apologize to those whom I have done [sic] disservice. I would never intentionally hurt anyone."
Intentionally or not, one has to wonder how much damage has already been done? Has Clarkson committed career suicide by taking on the iconic music industry executive Clive Davis?
Yes, is what some pop-music charters are whispering as U.S. sales of Clarkson's "My December" begin to slide.
Some industry watchers say Clarkson's decision to ignore the input of Davis, the man many call the "hit maker," in favor of composing her own songs could keep the nation's first "American Idol" winner off radio's playlist of Top 40 hits.
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