The confusion surrounding Courtney Love's alleged approach to appear on TV talent show American Idol has been cleared up - by a program insider.

Love posted a message on her website recently claiming she had been approached by the show's producers as a possible replacement for judge Paula Abdul.

American Idol boss Nigel Lythgoe was quick to respond, stating there were no plans to get rid of Abdul, despite ongoing controversies surrounding the Straight Up singer.

But now a show source has come forward, explaining Love was approached to be a guest judge on the show for a tribute to her late husband Kurt Cobain's band Nirvana.

The insider reveals, "Since Courtney Love owns the rights to Cobain's songs, they (producers) figured that the best way to get her permission was to invite her on the show."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)