Report: Howard Stern tapped to replace Simon Cowell on 'American Idol'

Shock jock Howard Stern has been offered Simon Cowell's seat on the "American Idol" dais, a new report says.

The New York Post's Page Six claims that Stern is in negotiations to replace the critical Brit in 2011 when his Sirius XM contract expires. He's hinted at mulling the gig on several occasions on air.

"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," an "Idol" source tells the Post.

Compete it might, but whispers in Stern's camp say he's not thrilled about touring the country auditioning talent, nor is he excited about the amount of time he'd spend in Los Angeles for performance and result shows.

"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," Stern recently said on his show. 

This doesn't mean the Fox ratings juggernaut is ready to give up.

"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," the show source added. 

A Stern source echoed to Page Six the belief that "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."

Stern would join newly tapped daytime queen DeGeneres, songwriter Kara DioGuardi and producer Randy Jackson. 

Would you watch Howard on "Idol"? Would he make a worthy successor for Simon? Tell us in comments.

-- Matt Donnelly

Photo: The new face of "American Idol"? Howard Stern in 2007. Credit: Peter Foley / EPA 

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Comments

[KathyIn ArlingtonVA]

I LOVE watching American Idol, but if Howard Stern ever joins the show, I will never watch it again. He is a most vile and disgusting person and has absolutely no sense of decency.

[Cameron]

I think Howard helped discover and popularize Bon Jovi. Now, that can be a negative if you'd like, but he put them on about a hundred times before they went to #1 because he knew they'd be great.

[xeno]

If this is true it proves that Simon Fuller is an idiot. The first time Stern makes a crude joke about having the younger females strip for him, says something vilely racist or details how he'd like to rape the corpse of a dead star, AI will crash and burn. And you know he will. He has a track record. When he worked in DC he spewed so much racist filth he was run out of town. The Selena controversy wasn't even his lowest moment. Fox is just lucky that Cowell sold them X Factor. When AI self-destructs they'll still have a ratings juggernaut on their schedule.

[Cindy Lou]

Neither my husband nor I will watch Idol after this season if Howard Stern becomes a judge. Children love Idol and Stern is a loose canon (which is the nicest thing I will say about him.) It would be a fatal mistake for the show.

[Jeff]

I have never ever watched Idol...but I would never miss a show if Howard joined the show. It would be the biggest hit on television and will be the only thing to save that show. If Howard does not join the show, Simon's new show will kill Idol.

[Merv]

No way.. if he comes aboard I'm DONE with American Idol.. I find him to be totally obnoxious and can't stand the man.. I think it would be the downfall of AI..

[donocvan kelley]

Howard stearn would be great for TV , their would be a side of him America could fall in love with . Stearn in 11

[cw windt]

Forget it - Stern could never clean up his language for a TV show. I like having Ellen on the show. People need to give her a fair chance. Chill out on her.She's there because of her love of music. Get on with the show and leave Ellen alone!!

[dan w.]

it was a cynical move. good luck to "idol;" i won't be watching it. i know the expression "jumping the shark" is overused but in this case ...

[motil]

I would definatley quit watching american Idol if Howard Stren takes Simons place, Howard is annoying and what the does he know about music??? What a ridiculous choice!!!