Smallscreen News

Howard Stern to replace Cowell? Idol producers mull the thought

By April MacIntyre Feb 5, 2010, 15:01 GMT

Howard Stern and Beth Stern - © Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

Shock Jock Howard Stern, who has penned books, starred in his own biopic and reigned as the morning R-rated king of talk radio is being considered seriously to step into the shoes of Simon Cowell, who has tired of being American Idol's reality check judge.

The New York Post reports that "American Idol" producers have turned their focus to Stern, and according to an insider, "producers of the hit Fox show say Stern, America's highest-paid radio personality, is their top choice to take over from Cowell, who leaves at the end of this season."

Stern's Sirius XM Radio deal expires next January and the tall radio star has always expressed his availability on the air for other ventures.

The Post's source connected to "Idol" 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."

Not so fast say other Post sources, who claim Stern loves radio and is not keen on leaving his radio ship.

"Despite what he's been saying on-air, Howard isn't ready to leave radio and would like to stay on at Sirius," the Post 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."

Talk back: Would Stern enliven the show or kill it?