Joal Ryan Wed Feb 27, 6:09 AM ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) - It's been a hard day's night for American Idol, but the show finally has a ticket to ride.

The music publishing giant that controls the Beatles' John Lennon-Paul McCartney composed hits has given Idol the go-ahead to let its contestants have their way with the likes of "Yesterday," "Let It Be" and, should someone be so brave, "I Am the Walrus."

The scoop was served up Wednesday on Idol host Ryan Seacrest's morning radio show in Los Angeles.

"It's something we've waited for seven seasons now," Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told Seacrest. "Sony has agreed to release the Lennon and McCartney songbook to us."

The announcement seems unrelated to current Idol favorite David Archuleta belting "Imagine" on Tuesday night's show. "Imagine" was written by Lennon, sans McCartney, in his post-Beatle years, and was performed last season by Blake Lewis.