Original "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson [ tickets ] has waved the white flag and ended what many had perceived to be a public feud with music mogul Clive Davis, a characterization that sprang from Clarkson's admission that she had spurned Davis's input on her most-recent album, "My December."

"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 wrote in a message posted at her website. "... 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. 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.

"I really regret how this has turned out and I apologize to those whom I have done disservice," Clarkson continued. "I would never intentionally hurt anyone. 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."

Last month, Clarkson announced that she had canceled a planned arena tour in support of "My December" due to poor ticket sales. She subsequently parted ways with longtime manager Jeff Kwatinetz, whom she has since replaced with Narvel Blackstock, CEO of Nashville-based Starstruck Entertainment; Blackstock also manages his wife, Reba McEntire, on whose latest album Clarkson makes a guest appearance.

Resurgent grunge rockers Alice in Chains [ tickets ] have announced plans to play four of their own headlining acoustic shows during off days from their upcoming run with Velvet Revolver [ tickets ].

The acoustic performances are set for Aug. 31 in Milwaukee; Sept. 1 in St. Louis; Sept. 29 in Austin, TX; and Oct. 1 in New Orleans. A ticket pre-sale for all four shows will begin Wednesday (7/25), according to AIC's website. More information is posted at the site.

As previously reported, Alice in Chains and Velvet Revolver will hit the road together early next month.

Metallica [ tickets ] frontman James Hetfield has responded to reports that authorities at London's Luton Airport recently stopped and interrogated the singer due to what the London Times said Hetfield's travelmates had described as his "Taliban-like beard."

"In the last few weeks there have been a lot of rumors flying around saying that I was detained by airport security in London while on tour in Europe," Hetfield wrote in a message posted at his band's website. "I'm here to tell you that it never happened ... pure fabrication! The story is simply that there is no story ... it's scary how gullible and easily fooled the press is!"

Hetfield went on to say that he and his bandmates were returning to the studio to finish working on their follow-up to 2003's "St. Anger," which is expected to surface early next year.