Howard Stern to Replace Simon Cowell on 'Idol'?

By Sam Brand Posted Feb 6th 2010 12:13AM

The self-described 'King of all Media' took to the airwaves earlier this week to announce that he had been offered a high-profile job in network TV. On Friday, the New York Post reported the job is none other than Simon Cowell's soon vacant seat on 'American Idol.' Nobody at Fox has yet confirmed the report.

Is the rumor full of hot air, or might we really see the sharp-tongued shock jock eviscerate off-key contestants in prime time next year?

On Wednesday, Stern told Sirius subscribers that he was "approached by a major TV network to take over a TV show and leave here and do that next year."

But he didn't accept the offer just yet.

"I did turn it down," he told his loyal fans. "I'm not even sure If I want to be working. I'm waiting to see what happens."

The New York Post's source confirms what the disintegration of the traditional media landscape has made increasingly apparent. 'American Idol' is "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," the insider says.

Stern's unprecedented 5-year contract, inked before Sirius and XM merged and the company's stock dropped below $1, expires on December 31, 2010. Simon Cowell, who makes $50 million a year for his work on 'Idol,' will be out of the judging booth and laying the groundwork for the stateside arrival of 'X Factor' several months before that.

Fox knows Stern would make for "great TV and would clash with the other judges such as Ellen DeGeneres and the contestants," the Post's source says.

But another source isn't so optimistic that a deal will get struck. "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."

Some analysts believe Sirius and Stern could settle on a multi-year extension at $80 million per year.

Charles Barkley would make for a better 'Idol' replacement anyway.

Tags: american idol, AmericanIdol, charles barkley, CharlesBarkley, ellen degeneres, EllenDegeneres, howard stern, HowardStern, simon cowell, SimonCowell, sirius

Comments

(89)

Saturday 06 February

By kathy

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Bring on Howard. People, you just don't get his humor. He is making fun of everything in his own wonderful way. I can't imagine Idol without Simon but if they get Howard, I am right back in my seat glued to the show!! Lighten up folks.

By Charles

American Idol is already going to stick Ellen the lady dyke on for us to look at and go puke. America is sick of queers and dykes getting some sort of glory for being the nasty selfs they are. Nobody wants them except there own kind. They are pigs and will rot in hell for there behavior.

By suitman36

howard stern would be great to replace simon cowell.
one thing i would like to know....how many of you that bash him ever even listened to his show. no...not that you 'heard' what he says....you actually listened to him, and not what others say about him.
i hear all the time "howard said......" when he never really said that.
the guy has a lot of talent. he wouldn't be where he is now if he didn't.

By jonpluc

Why is Stern a pervert? Because he likes porn? I assure you that every single person at AI from the executive producer to the judges down to the assistant key grip have all watched porn. So why are they fine but Howard is a pervert? Just because he talks about what everyone else hides?

By Sally Bradway

I will stop watching if Stern is a judge. He is just a rude man. He makes Simon look like a saint.

By Jacky7777

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Howard Stern- NEVER!!

By Honest John

I love it when all the idiots post stuff about someone they don't know, and never heard. Not only that, they have no clue Howards show is all an act that draws in millions of listeners. But these people think they can save the world by posting out their azz's! Howard Rules!
If he did take over Idol, he'll break every rating record Idol ever had!

By GUNNER36

STERN IS A ARROGANT,TALENTLESS PERVERT..IF HE'S CHOSEN TO REPLACE SIMON WATCH THE RATING GO IN THE TANK.I MY FAMILY,LIKE MANY OTHERS WON'T WATCH THE CREEP. WHATS HE GOT TO OFFER BUT A FILTHY MOUTH

By carrie

Howard Stern!!! I'll never watch idol again with him on.

By Ann

This guy makes me sick to look at. He is a greasy, dirty little weasel. What experience does he have with judging musical talent? He needs to climb out of his gutter first. Maybe FOX is trying to kill the show...we haven't watched it in 3 years because it got boring.

A lot of posters keep talking about his radio show...do you all know he has lost his radio show and will be unemployed? So no one will be listening to him anymore.

By Jeanna

If Stern joins Idol, I am long gone. Disgusting and classless, he will bring a family show to a new low.

By T BONE

GOD, I hope not!

By YulandaSue

This has got to be a rumor. Howard Stern doesn't have the morals for a family show. He should not be allowed around young impressionable minors. I do not plan to watch the show after Simon leaves this season anyway.

By puppy

Howard is smart and his judging the talent will be on the nose with some humor besides. The ratings will go through the ceiling!

By Pam

Howard Stern NO ~ Who would make a great replacement?

By TONY

HOWARD (PIG) STERN IS AN INSULT TO HUMANITY...HE MANAGES TO BE BOTH VILE AND REVOLTING...HE SHOULD STAY WHERE EVER HE IS AND NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE EXPOSED TO THE HUMAN PUBLIC ....EVER AGAIN...HE WAS AN INSULT TO LONG ISLAND AND ROCKVILLE CENTER WHERE HE WAS RAISED...SEND HIM TO THE PLANET PANDORA

By sher

If he takes over for Cowell, I will never watch the show ever again!

By Jim Robertson

On this subject I must go with what apparently is the majority. I watch A. I. when it gets past the try outs and I would certainly NOT watch the show again if Stern is part of it in any capacity. He is a nasty man. "Nuff said.

By Paul

A judge needs to be someone in the music business not a shock jock or Ellen Generas. If that is not the case than hire Tom Leykis or even better Don Rickles.

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