Hearing a cover of MJ’s Billie Jean on American Idol a few days ago made me wonder if Prince has ever been covered on the show. I’m wondering if AI actually needs to seek permission before contestants perform these songs? The contestants pick songs every week so that seems pretty quick for someone to get copyright permission if it’s needed. Unless they have a pool of pre-approved songs to choose from...

Second question: What Prince songs would you like to see covered on the show?

I've heard someone sing How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore. I wouldn't care was song I heard of P's covered on AI, as long I was able to recognize it.
[Edited 3/27/08 16:10pm]

Paris from Minnesota sung a Prince song 2 years ago. "Kiss" I think....
[Edited 3/27/08 14:02pm]
[Edited 3/27/08 14:03pm]

Graycap23 said:

She did because it was "sing a song from the year you were born" night. She sang Kiss because it was released by Tom Jones in '87 (or when ever she was born). Besides that I don't believe anything else has been sung....I don't think they have permission to....

A lot of folks sang Kiss in their first addition (the first week or so of the show) last year. It of course was here in MPLS (first time here in MN) and the judges were like "we are never coming back if I have to hear that song again."