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 

Check out related dispatches from the Ministry on Howard Stern. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 

Comments

[Brad]

Howard Stern on AI?
(Click)
That's the sound of me tuning out Fox and finding something else to watch.

[Linda Rodriguez]

You Howard haters are all NUTS! He would be the best fit to replace Simon. Go a head stop watching who cares, because for everyone who stops watching there will be about 6 million Howard Stern fans who actually tune in to that show. I haven't watched that show in years, if HS takes Simon's place I guess I'm back on board. Stern knows music people he was a disc jockey for 20 years, what have you done in music to make millions?

[erin]

The producers know that the show is not about singing, talent, or even making a star. The only people whose careers were launched by AI are Clarkson, Aiken, Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson. After 8 seasons and hundreds of contestants, what does this program have to show for it except for these 4? And only 2 of the 4 were "winners." That's why they are replacing Paula and Simon (who have music industry knowledge) with Ellen and Stern (who know nothing about the biz but have viewer appeal) It's just to get more viewers and advertising revenue. The show has had an abysmal track record of making stars up to this point, it's not going to get any worse with Ellen and Stern. From the producers' point of view, what can it hurt to bring on more interesting judges? As long as they keep Randy!

[char]

If they put Howard Stern on Idol it would be the biggest mistake they could make. Iv'e watched almost every season, would like to continue, but if they put Stern on there i will no longer watch it

[M Kersey]

Fox are you serious!!?? Howard Stern is repulsive!!I don't know anyone who doesn't think this man is a total PIG!! Hello!!...remember this is a "FAMILY SHOW'" You really don't want to lose all of these viewers who agree with me.

[tj]

No, I would not watch Stern on AI.
Bleck

[Carl Marlin]

I think Stern would be a great addition to idol

[SoCalGal]

I will never watch another Idol if that disgusting pig takes Simon's place. Stern is a Michael Jackson hater. 'Nuff said.

[Wow]

How can anyone think this is a good idea? Does anyone even consider who watches AI when making these types of decisions? Do you really think any of those viewers want to see Simon replaced by Stern? Really? Just wow.

[Michael]

For every viewer lost there would be three gained if Howard joined the show.

All of you who cast him aside without knowing a thing about him would be so endeared by him once you saw how serious he was taking the show. Howard has been its #1 fan since the first show.

[Carl Marlin]

I am in complete agreement with those that say Howard Stern would save the show as well as boost ratings. After all ratings is what keeps a show on the air. This would be the best move yet for that network. I believe degenerate would actually kill the show.

[daveralph.]

howard stern is genius. you can not deny that with all of his fame. if you think he is just dirty and dumb you have NEVER listened to his show. but no, he will never do the american idol, although he loves it. he knows it would be a bad move for his career. i would hate to have to watch that show just because i love howard so much.

[daveralph.]

well, looks like artie is gonna go for round two. ba ba booey!

[Fred Koch]

Stern woud be the best thing that could happen to that show. His is by far the openest and best interviewer in media today.

[Chris]

You Howard haters are rediculous. There is not anybody in entertainment history that has accomplished what Howard has. Feel free to research that and dont leave anyting out!
Howard has a very intelligent audience of millions that PAYS to listen to his show. The man is an absolute genius and would make American Idol more popular than ever.
I have been a Howard listener for about 20 years and FEEL like I know him.
I consider Howard one of the most DECENT people in the entertainment industry, not to mention the planet. I see some of the comments below and... You people just do not know Howard. Not at all !!!!!
Please KNOW what you are talking about before you bash him.

[Stew Barcham]

Absolutely!!!!

[April]

Wow. I am really shocked by this. When did the objective become "find someone totaly crude and tasetless"? Say what you will about Simon, he IS charming. I cannot see any teen girls walking in and saying, "Oh, Howard, I just love you so much!" ETC. I am sure Howard Stern would provide...memorable cutting criticism, but accoridng to his own comments he seems interested ONLY in the money.
NEXT? Really, please, who's next?

[Duuude]

Remember when idol first started out and they had another host along with Ryan? Yeah, that guy. They should bring him back as a judge because I remember him being quite an A-hole. Perfect replacement for Simon.

[Larry]

That will bring an end this family ever watching american idol if that idiot replaces simon.

[The Unit Circle]

No way! Fox couldn't afford to pay his FCC fines. How do you sign Howard without Robin? If you want someone who doesn't hold back on what he thinks but doesn't carry as much baggage, how about John McEnroe?

[Jan Taylor]

The beginning of the end!!!!!

[Laura]

NO!!!! That would make FOUR judges whose opinion I could care less to hear!!

[Boognish Habib]

This is exactly what Idol needs. These morons who say they won't watch are clueless anyways. The show has been on a downhill slide for the past three years. Singer after singer are nothing more than carbon copies or singers in years past. Cowell's criticisms, while still the best thing about the show, have grown stale -- and none of the other judges bring anything to the table. Bringing Stern on is precisely what these kid primadonnas need -- a serious reality check. Watching simply pimply-faced teen or some fat chick who things she's beautiful and a great singer get reduced to tears, crying and screaming as they leave the stage would make AI worth watching again. Let's just hope he brings Artie, Robin and Gary the Retard along as guest judges!

[joyce]

American Idol is my favorite show. I hate to watch the final show each season and wait for the first episode of each new season. If Howard Stern replaces Simon I wil never watch again. He portrays a mysogonistic animal to his huge audience of young impressionable males and I find him despicable. Furthermore what are his music credentials? This show is not about degrading women, exploiting them and their body parts. Please don't ruin a perfectly respectable show with this person.

[Marcia]

I have NEVER missed an episode of American Idol, but if Howard Stern becomes a judge, I'll NEVER watch again. He is crude and I can only imagine some of the comments he would make to the female contestants!