'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)

Wednesday 10 February

By sandra buchna

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I dont watch idol any more because of what they did to Paula. She helped make that show just as much as Randy and Simon. I hope it goes down the tubes. They keep trying to shove all these so called judges down peoples throat, The American people are not stupid and last year with Adam helped put the finishing touch on it for me.

By A

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I'm not sure if we would watch the show without Simon, but we would definitely never watch the show with Stern.

By Joe Kulka

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Howard Stern is the man for the job.He'll be the perfect American idol judge.Who else fits in better than Howard.Howard and Ellen will go good together.Think about it.They are the right ones to carry the show on.Howard will be like Simon but funnier.Give the guy a try.What the hell.It will work out fine.The ratings will surely go up.

By sam

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Howard would be a gift to viewers worldwide. His extraordinary talent would propel Idol to heights never seen in TV land. Please get him NOW!!!!!!!!!!

By Cindy

As witty and caustic as Howard Stern is he is equally foul mouthed and way too sexual in his remarks. He would NEVER be able to rein himself in for the TV. After all that's how he made his "mark" in radio. He didn't get called a Shock Jock for nothing. And his fans would be looking for outrageous behavior from him. Still don't know what his gorgeous and classy wife sees in him. So thumbs down for him repalcing Simon.

By Ruben

Oh my god. Howard Stern needs a hair cut and take a bath. He lookks so itchy and smelly. How in the hell did he ever land a girlfriend???????????You think it might've been MONEY. He has to be one of the ugliest men alive. Uuuuuuck! !

By Dayna

Howard Stern would do everyone a favor by slitting his wrists. Seriously....he is a useless human being. I think even his mother would appreciate it.

By malanyb

If Howard Stern was a judge on Idol...I wouldn't watch it for that reason alone. He's a pig.

By mscddspc

what a loser of a human being he is, he has no redeeming qualities

By lu

Why does howard look like he has a h--d on in his neck ?(adams apple)

By gs3

looks to me that the Howard fans out weigh the haters!

There's no one better for the job than Sterns.Face it.Stern's will get that show rockin.Otherwise the show is going down the tubes.

By Nancy

When Simon goes I go. It has been a great ride though!

By Michael Maltese

R A T I N G S.

It isn't called show Business for nothing.

Besides, the show is only a platform for the music industry to promote it's winners.

"It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock & roll" AC/DC

By Jaime

STERN IS KING!!!!

By Honest John

I never watched Idol.
But if Howard came on I would!

I love it how the people that never heard his show for any amount of time have so much to say about him. Get a life!

By aj

how do think we know what a jerk Stearn is if we haven'e heard his show. That is why we know. We've heard him. once is enough

By Noel

Stern is foul-mouth TRASH! I will not watch show!! Stay where you are.. this is a family show

By Tom

What a perfect fit with Ellen. You'd be so busy hating one that you wouldn't have time to hate the other. What next????

By Dr. PhooL

What a concept for inept! Would you consider that multi-tasking? That sounds almost as difficult as walking and chewing gum at the same time. AMAZING!

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