'Idol' Doesn't Have Bleep Button Big Enough for Stern

By Kara Warner Posted Feb 9th 2010 04:50PM

While we were shocked when Simon Cowell announced his 'American Idol' departure, we were not prepared for Howard Stern to throw his hat in the ring to be considered for Cowell's old gig. At first, we thought Stern might be joking about his 'Idol' interest, but after bringing it up on his show two days in a row, it's time to consider the pros and cons of a Stern/'Idol' pairing. Entertainment Weekly Senior Writer and resident 'Idol' expert Michael Slezak likens Stern on 'Idol' to combining chocolate with cheeseburgers. "They're two great tastes," Slezak tells PopEater. "But I don't necessarily know you'd want them together. They're very popular, but I think there's a reason McDonald's has never offered a chocolate-dipped cheeseburger. I think Howard Stern and 'American Idol' are pretty much a chocolate cheeseburger." Can America handle a chocolate, Stern/'Idol' cheeseburger? Vote after the jump.

On Monday, the shock jock addressed the situation on his radio show, saying he'd accept a seat in the judges' booth for the right price. "They'd have to pay me a ton of dough because I already make a ton of dough," Stern said. "For $100 million a year, to judge a karaoke contest? Ok. Why not?"

There's no question he'd be interesting, of course, but does Fox have a bleep button strong enough to contain Stern's notoriously outlandish and controversial remarks? The shock jock thrives on his free speech and has always been outspoken about censorship and the FCC, so it strikes us odd that he thinks he'd be perfect for a network TV show and its mostly middle America-based audience.

Slezak does not think Stern's reference to the ratings juggernaut as "an f---ing karaoke contest" bodes well for his securing a long-term gig.

"I think his comments disqualified him for the position before it's even begun," Slezak says. "Say what you want about Simon, he's tough on the contestants, he's known for his pointed barbs, but he cares about the outcome of the show. It's one of the most important qualities of being a judge on that panel. You can get away with pretty much anything up there, as Simon has proven, as long as you care about the outcome and you care about the fact that the winner of this show is going to go on to do well. ... Howard Stern kind of flies in the face of that goal."

On the pro side, TV producer Michael Avila thinks Stern would provide a "massive adrenaline shot to the heart" of the show.

"He would be a tremendous 'get' for 'Idol,'" Avila tells PopEater. "He has an enormously loyal following that would very likely tune in just to hear what he would say, and he would earn whatever astronomical salary he would demand due to the press he would generate."

On the other hand, and given Stern's flair for the outrageous, Avila says Fox would be entering potentially dangerous territory in signing him. "This is a guy who built an empire around sexually primitive behavior. Imagine what he'll say to the next girl who auditions in a bikini? And can you imagine how vicious he'll be during Hollywood week? It could be awesome TV, but it could also be disastrous. Fox should start an FCC fund if they hire him."

Which, according to Slezak and his insider sources, is not likely to happen. "In conversations I've had with people close to the show, they say the process of casting a replacement for Simon has just begun," Slezak says. "There is a long list of people who are interested in the job and that there is no front-runner. It's hard to not think [Stern] is using this as a salary negotiating point."

Tags: american idol, howard stern, simon cowell

Comments

(399)

Tuesday 09 February

By J9

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

He'd be great if he can keep his ego in check that is. He is smart as a whip, funny as hell, and knows talent. He's been around the block & knows what it takes to be a hit in our society...I think his input were I vying for a spot would be invaluable. The scatological aspects of his radio show would have to be toned down..other than that...bring him on. I will be MORE likely to watch with him on board. I HATE his radio show... too sophomoric for my taste...but I know he has much more to him that that.

By DTgringo

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Who? Howard Stern? Oh wait, I remember him. That's that guy that used to be on the radio right? He was going to lead the mass exodus from regular radio to sattelite radio. He parted the Red Sea, stepped between the wall of water, looked back, and saw that two truck drivers and one ex-con from a trailer park followed him. Went to Sirius to be forgotten.

Wednesday 10 February

By neoclassicgirl

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Funny and true.

By ed

What is a stern?

It's the back of boat.

By Stephen

Stern is short for cistern: particularly, a device used to store caca before the advent of sewers. Some still exist in rural areas, and a particular model named Howard exists on trash-radio.

By D. Webster

I'm turning in my grave! A cistern, Stephen, is a receptacle for catching and storing rainwater. I would hate to drink from your cistern, but go ahead and enjoy yourself!

By Laurie

Never. Howard Stern is just not right for Idol. Let him stay where he is. His long success baffles me.

By debspoone

His success doesn't surprise me a bit. This is because of the decline in the morals in this country. A lot of the ones that are responsible for the decline in morals is responsible for his success.

By Niki

I don't like the idea of Stern on Idol. I like the idea of David Foster, and I would also like to see perhaps Barry Manilow, Neil Sedaka, Neil Diamond or Garth Brooks on the show. Someone who not only has super-star stage performance experience, but is also a song-writer and producer. Randy has stage and producing experience, Kara is a song-writer with some recording experience, Simon has an eye for recognizing talent, and Ellen has the ear of the public who will be attending the concerts and buying the CDs. So someone who has done it all, successfully, would be a great new "Simon." JMHO

By Gracemontalto

NO WAY!!! ELLEN & STEARNS?? WHAT A SHAME AS I ENJOYED THAT SHOW SO MUCH WITH PAULA & SIMON!!! TOOK A BIG RATING DOWN THE DRAIN!! !! ANOTHER GREAT SHOW GONE!

By ballew81

I would never watch the show again if Howard Stern became a judge. He's a sleazeball!

By PHIL JONES

RIGHT OWN, I WOULD NEVER WATCH THE SHOW AGAIN, AND I WATCH IT EVER TIME IT IS ON.

By Jorge

Howard Stern would be the best thing to happen to Idol since Kelly Clarkson! He has children and knows how to act in front of kids, He has an opinion and that's what Idol needs. If you left it to Randy and Cara, William Hung would have made it to Hollywood.

By Fred

There should be another choice for the "Will you watch after Simon leaves" question. There should be a "Yes, if Howard Stern replaces him." This job is born for Howard. He is a big fan of the show & already give his opinions. Those putting Howard down obviously don't listen to him.

By SANDIJ1948

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

NOT TRUE........WE "HAVE" LISTENED TO HOWARD SMUT-MOUTH STERN. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE BASING OUR OPIONION ON. HE IS A DISRESPECTFUL,OBNOXIOUS,VULGAR PRICK.

By jimbo

Yuk...Howard Stern on prime time. I don't think so. Murdock owns all of FOX network, including the ultra-right FOX news. Lets see O'Reilly, Beck and others defend Stern's offensive, crude, purient humor. He would be the death of American Idol. Oh, maybe Sarah Palin would make a good addition. She could keep score on the palms of her hands.

oh, I forgot to mention that even though I have never been a fan of Stern, I respect him for being a shrew business man who has made millions of dollars. Those dollars just do not make him mainstream.

By el buitre

i would not have a cup of coffee with stern, buffett, or murdoch.their money does not impress me and a lot of other honest citizens.

By maba

I for one will not be watching idol if stern is on and i know hundreds of people who will also stop watching.Family show ha not if sterns on it ! He is the most vulgar filthy person .Values zero ! Don't know how he lives with himself ! 100 million ha
worth zip !

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