American Idol Producers Want Howard Stern to Replace Simon Cowell
According to PageSix, American Idol producers are keen to sign on Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell, who is leaving the show after this season. An insider revealed that the highest paid radio personality is their top choice for Cowell's replacement. Fox is said to have approached Stern after he kept mentioning on-air that his exclusive deal with Sirius XM Radio expires next January and that he's open to other offers.
Cowell has been paid $50 million per year as a judge on America Idol. An AI connected source said:
"It's one of the few shows that could compete with Stern's $100 million-a-year Sirius contract, and 'Idol' bosses think he'd be even nastier than Simon.
They know he would be great TV and would clash with the other judges such as Ellen DeGeneres and the contestants. 'Idol' will do what it takes to sign him."
A second source, however, says that Stern hasn't made talks with AI easy and that he's been sending out mixed messages. Here's what that source had to say:
"Despite what he's been saying on-air, Howard isn't ready to leave radio and would like to stay on at Sirius," the source said. "We believe this is a ploy to make Sirius pay up and keep him on his huge contract. But if Sirius can't pay him the money he wants, he may negotiate to film 'Idol' on the side."
Interestingly, he did say recently:
"I was approached by a major TV network to take over a TV show and leave here and do that next year -- and I did turn it down . . . I'm not even sure if I want to be working. I'm waiting to see what happens."
Now he could very likely have been talking about Idol, and if so, it sounds like talks are over with. But who knows what will happen. He's probably the one person that could step in Simon's shoes and give his new show, X-Factor, a run for its money next year.
Comments
This has to be a joke. If Howard Stern replaces Simon Cowell, that will end the show faster than anything else they could have done. He is one of the vilest human beings on the face of the planet.
please, obviously you haven't ever listen to him. Your basing your opinion on reputation more so than having heard him on a regular basis. He would be a great judge. He's been in radio for 30 years and has had thousands of singers and band come through the studio. He knows when someone can and can not sing. He is also a avid idol fan and put 200% into whatever he does. Listen to him for a week straight and then come back with an opinion. I find that most people who dislike Howard have either never heard him or have only listened for a max of like 15 min in their life.
I also used to think Stern was disgusting, until my boyfriend got a subscription to Sirius (BOTH radio & cable TV), now I LOVE HIM!!! They need someone JUST AS HONEST & BLUNT as Simon Cowell, and Stern is it! He's not afraid to say anything either, even it it does hurt feelings sometimes. But that is the only way TRULY GOOD singers have their chance, why waste time on people who THINK they can sing, or who get by cuz of their "looks". It's a SINGING competition, not a beauty pageant or modeling competition$%^&. So I say GO HOWARD!!
Say goodbye to American Idol! Sterns on air persona is vile and discusting. I will no longer watch Idol if he is a judge.
Right there with you. Would ban the show in my house if Stern were added.
no way!! I'll turn off the TV befor I watch him!!!!
I think AI would be remarkably better with Stern, as I have no interest in AI as it is now, but would watch it with him. I'm 100% sure Fox would gain more viewers than they would lose with putting Stern on air.
You may not like his humor on his show, and that's fine... your opinion... however that radio humor wouldn't come to AI, but a whole new humor!
Howard would be great! DO IT HOWARD! DO IT!
You could still do any radio deal you were offered...
OMG !!!!! If Howard Stern replaces Simon on American Idol, I will never watch it again. Who ever came up with that idea must have been doing drugs or drinking ...........
The best way to loose your audience but it is your choice. ..........
i can't stand him. If Howard Stern becomes a judge, despite that i love the other judges, i will not watch it anymore.
I will never watch AI again if Howard Stern replaces Cowell.
I have no idea why people's opinion of Howard Stern is so negative. If you're saying bad things about him, then you probably never listened to him. He is one of the smartest personalities in the media.
You must be thinking of Anna Nicole Smith's Howard!!!! hahahaha
I've seen his cable show, briefly, and find no socially redeeming qualities in the values and persona he portrays.
And there are "socially redeeming values" from American Idol? Please. They're both entertainment shows.
I don't want to listen to him, and much less want to have to look at him. I'm sorry to Stern fans, but the beauty of Idol is it's wholesomeness in this unwholesome world - Stern would totally ruin that.
kiss the show goodbye - I'd never watch again
If Stern replaces Cowelll... say good byre to Idol, the young under 18 fans and their parents. (I'm not even a parent). Stern has his audiance... and they are not idol fans. It would be a big 'NBC like' mistake, except on FOX.
-k
Somebody actually said that American Idol is wholesome!!! They make people feel absolutely stupid, call these poor kids names and laugh at them in their face!!! Have you seen Adam Lambert??? Is that wholesome??? Wow, what an idiot!! It may be great T.V. but its far from wholesome. Some of the people that posted actually get it. If you listen to the Stern Radio show for a week and listen to him during his interviews, it's hard to dislike the guy. You may disagree with him, but he always stands behind his decisions and will always give you valid reasons for why he feels that way. Howard knows what works!! He has a radio personality he has created and it stays in the studio. I think he would be very similar to Simon...just not as rude!!!
Stern as a judge on Idol. I'm gone. Never missed a season
Personally, I think Howard should replace Ellen D and I should replace Simon. Simon may be in the music business but me being a musician has a better ear for talent.
The only reason you have the TV & Radio that you have today is because of Howard. How many of you would have loved to see Da Vinci paint? or Jesus heal? This is the KING OF ALL MEDIA!!! You can see Howard media (ha ha ). I will bet that ratings will jump significantly. Go for it HOWARD! And only cute girls in G-strings make it to the finals!!!!
i will NEVER watch american idol again if howard stern becomes a judge PERIOD!!
7ugly choice
Please, please do not hire Howard Stern to be a judge on American Idol. That would really by scraping the bottom of the barrel (garbage can) and the demise of the show!!!!
I've watched Stern, I've listened to him....and I find him repugnant!! I mean really... the other judges would need haz-mat suits just to sit next to him (I'm sure he's juggling a few personal curosive biproducts around with him.)
Let's face it, he's better equiped to judge porn star...uh... "talent." Wait...he already does that...never mind.
VURP!! I need a handy wipe for my brain.
Really classy choice Fox!! Was this a 3 oclock in the morning decision??
If he's in, I'm not. I'd never watch it again.
Stern would be great on Idol. He would be the only intelligent and honest judge on the show.