American Idol: Howard Stern Not Frontrunner to Replace Simon Cowell

Speculation about radio "shock jock" Howard Stern replacing outgoing judge Simon Cowell on American Idol has been rampant on the Internet lately. The New York Post reported that "a source close to Idol" said that Howard Stern was the "top choice" to take over Simon Cowell's long-running position on the judging panel next season. Many fans of the singing show wondered if the Idol producers had collectively lost their minds, as Stern is considered controversial at best and offensive at worst.

Fret not, American Idol fans. Shortly after the Post story broke, Michael Slezak, longtime American Idol reporter for EW posted that "a source close to the show" said that "the search has just begun, nor are there any front-runners at this time." The added, "nobody's going to be offered a job Idol judge] for a while," the source added. "We're doing a very thorough search."

Who to believe? FOX's #1 rated show has always been considered a family show, and while having a judge as controversial as Howard Stern might draw new viewers, hard core American Idol fans could tune out. Last season American Idol message boards were full of posts complaining about the appearances of such mainstream acts as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, when some more sensitive viewers thought the acts too salacious for American Idol.

The backlash if Howard Stern becomes a judge is likely to be 1000 times worse. American Idol's ratings are dependent on the show appealing to the Heartland of America, and Stern simply wouldn't have the crucial broad appeal.

American Idol has is going through some major changes, what with Ellen Degeneres replacing Paula Abdul as a judge and Simon Cowell leaving at the end of this season to bring X Factor to American viewers in 2011. It will certainly take someone special to fill the shoes of Cowell when he leaves. Piers Morgan of America's Got Talent and Ben Folds who was recently a Sing Off judge are two names that are frequently mentioned for the job. No one is suggesting Howard Stern would be a good choice.

Howard Stern has repeatedly mentioned on his radio show that his Sirius XM Radio contract will end next January. It's possible that the American Idol rumor is a vehicle for him to negotiate for more money from Sirius. Whatever the case, American Idol taking a chance by replacing Simon Cowell with Howard Stern would be a big mistake.

New York Post

EW.com