Cledus T. Judd Defends Caylee Anthony Song, While Brian McKnight Cuts R&B Version of It

'She's Going Places,' the song for Caylee Anthony that Cledus T. Judd co-wrote with Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, finds Judd trying to heal with one hand while raising a fist with the other. In an interview with Taste of Country, Judd shared how he had reservations about releasing the tribute to Caylee Anthony, as he didn't want people to think he was using an emotionally charged national news story to bring attention to himself. A cross-town radio host is accusing the WQYK morning show co-host of doing just that.

An article in the St. Petersburg Times outlined the argument. Syndicated radio host 'Bubba the Love Sponge' (real name Todd Clem) took aim at the song, as well as the charity that proceeds from the song's downloads on iTunes benefit. The back and forth reached a boiling point in an on-air conversation between Clem and WLLD (sister station to WQYK) Program Director Orlando Davis.

"You do everything for attention … you're a hack," Davis told Clem, who responded with, "First of all, you're a liar. Play the song on your air and let your listeners decide how … cheesy it is."

On his radio show, broadcast locally on WHPT in Tampa, Clem and his crew went after the National Association to Protect Children, saying they spend too much money on salaries. Judd brushed past some of the controversy during an interview with CNN, but struggled to hold in his anger while talking to the St. Petersburg Times. "I never dreamed in a lifetime that it would cause this entire community of people who do what I do to start this gang war in a 5-mile radius," he said. "Bubba made the comment, 'How can you love [Caylee], you didn't even know her? But this song is just my way of standing in front of the courthouse steps and saying, 'Don't forget about this girl.'"

"All I'm guilty of is thinking the song is pandering and cheesy, while questioning the charity," Clem said of his criticism.

R&B singer Brian McKnight has also gotten involved -- not with the argument, but with the charity. McKnight has recorded and released a version of 'She's Going Places' that will also be available on iTunes for 99 cents. The version popular with country listeners was recorded by Nashville singer-songwriter Shane Hines.

Listen to 'She's Going Places'