Simon Cowell Suggests Perez Hilton or Noel Gallagher as Possible Replacement on American Idol

Simon Cowell has suggested Perez Hilton or Noel Gallagher as possible replacements on American Idol.

Simon Cowell offered some guidelines on what type of person could replace him on American Idol. He wanted someone who would not be afraid to speak his mind without being "gratuitously rude." He also wanted someone with managerial skills and extensive knowledge of the music business.

As he told E Online, "Over the years, judges have been replaced by personalities. That, in the long term, will create problems, because you've got to be able to spot a star. Whoever replaces me, my advice has always been, 'Find somebody who actually knows what they are talking about and who has actually experienced success in the music business.'"

Simon Cowell praised Perez Hilton as a funny personality and as someone who had great taste in music. He also had positive words about Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher, calling him a funny guy and a brilliant songwriter.

Given the fiasco over the Miss USA pageant, I have to wonder if Perez HIlton would be the nail in the coffin for the already-ailing American Idol. While he certainly would offer comic relief and blunt criticisms to the Idol hopefuls, I doubt he would have the capacity to be truly objective. He would be too obsessed with politics and sexuality.

Although I enjoy his gossip column from time to time, I would be far less inclined to watch American Idol with Perez Hilton on the judging panel.

Noel Gallagher would be an interesting choice. He'd offer both the performer's perspective (Paula Abdul) as well as the token 'British' perspective (Simon Cowell). Of course, E Online suggests that American Idol would have to post subtitles since it would be difficult to understand Noel Gallagher. (He was born in Manchester to Irish parents).

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Piers Morgan. Female fans as well as the 'Susan Boyle' demographics would respond well to him. Neil Patrick Harris would also be an interesting choice. He was one of the more effective guest judges during the American Idol auditions rounds.

Of course, with the departure of Paula Abdul and the imminent departure of Simon Cowell, American Idol has lost already lost much of its core appeal. It would take someone pretty special to revive this sinking ship.

Sources:

Could Perez Hilton or Noel Gallagher Replace Simon Cowell on American Idol?, E Online