Ah, the American Idol rumor mill. It’s as much a favorite pastime as watching the show itself.
And to make things even more interesting, last week The NY Post reported that shock jock Howard Stern was being pursued to replace Simon Cowell when he leaves at the end of Season 9.
All I can say to that is … WHAT???
Ever since Simon Cowell announced that this would be his last season as a judge on American Idol, suggestions for replacements have been flying across the internet.
Back in December, before Cowell officially made his announcement, MediaCurves.com conducted a survey and found that viewers thought America’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan would be the best replacement. Others who scored high included Sean “Diddy” Combs, Quincy Jones, David Foster, Donny Osmond, Jay Leno, and Jon Bon Jovi. I could watch Jon Bon Jovi twice a week on TV. And David Foster? What a perfect replacement – he’s an icon in the music industry, as is Quincy Jones.
In fact, they’re all respectable options, and ones that would continue the expert entertainment aspect of the show with an attitude that could keep the content acceptable for family viewing (and focused on music, not the judges).
On a list of possible replacements, Stern shouldn’t even show up, in my opinion. I find it hard to believe that Idol viewers and Stern listeners are in the same demographic. The only thing that adding Stern to the judging panel would do – other than, as the Post suggests, “clash with the other judges such as Ellen DeGeneres and the contestants” - is encourage the racy, edgy contestant behavior that has crept more and more onto the show.
One reason given for Stern’s consideration is that he’d be even nastier than Simon Cowell.
Er … earth to Idol! We don’t watch Idol to see nasty judges! That’s just bonus!
We watch to see the contestants; the fact that Simon is nasty definitely makes the show interesting. But that’s because it’s an aspect of his personality, not a requirement for the show. Don’t look for more nasty factor; look for an expert in the music industry. This is a singing show, after all. If we wanted to see the judges go at each other’s throat, we cold get them on the Jerry Springer Show and let them go at it.
The rumor is, right now, rumor, but E Online! gives it credibility for a few reasons. And apparently Stern isn’t interested. Or he is. Or maybe not.
So who would you choose to replace Cowell? With Ellen on the panel, do we even need another judge? Randy and Kara bring years of expertise in the music industry; Ellen brings the fun. Maybe we could just stick with three judges.
What do you think? Is Howard Stern a good replacement for Simon Cowell? If Stern does in fact replace Cowell, would you keep watching? (I, for one, would be done with the show forever. Blech.)
AMERICAN IDOL POSTS:
American Idol contestant Justin Williams was also a Season 8 contestant
Boston Auditions – blogging live play-by-play
Boston Auditions – recap
Atlanta audtions – Blogging live play-by-play
Auditions Recap – Vanessa Wolf, Jermaine Sellers, Holly Harden, Miriam Lemnouni, Noel Reese, and Pants on the Ground
Chicago auditions – Blogging live
American Idol Season 9 Chicago auditions recap – Angela Martin, Charity Vance, Katelyn Epperly, John Park and boob boxing
American Idol Season 9 Los Angeles auditions – Blogging live!
American Idol Season 9 Dallas auditions – Blogging live!
American Idol Season 9 Spoiler Alert: Is this the Top 24?
American Idol: so how do those auditions really work, anyway?
American Idol Season 9 “Road to Hollywood” auditions – Blogging live
American Idol Season 9 Christian artists
American Idol Season 9 Denver auditions: Blogging live (& the scoop on Nicci Nix)
American Idol contestant Angela Brown’s mother missing
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posted February 8, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Stern = me not watching. I saw scrap them all (especially Ellen and Kara, but even Randy’s schtick is getting old) and start over. But without Cowell, will it be worth watching? Foster would bring the “I’m a professional, I know what I’m saying” factor, without doubt. And he did a great job when he was a mentor. He’s my choice. I liked Victoria Beckham as a guest judge. But who else? Queen Latifah? Donna Summer? (Now THERE’s a great idea … ) Hmmm…
posted February 8, 2010 at 3:27 pm
An abrasive judge like Simon does add significant spice to the show, which is sort of the role Piers Morgan plays on America’s Got Talent. That’s probably why he’s being mentioned for American Idol – though I doubt Idol wants to start looking like AGT.
Stern would definitely spice things up. But I have to agree: A certain segment of the viewers would peel away instantly. And if he didn’t tone the raunchy side of his act down, more may follow. I have not heard a Howard Stern show in years, but it seemed most of the music he programmed leaned more toward metal and album rock, not exactly what Idol has been known for. So I don’t know how much interest he would have in presiding over the Carrie Underwoods and Kris Allen’s of this world.
Can see the logic, but can’t really see it. I do think they’re looking for some kind of curmudgeon.
posted February 8, 2010 at 3:51 pm
I would love David Foster as a judge. And Jon Bon Jovi; that’s just because he’s easy on the eyes, LOL. Hmm, Queen Latifah? Donna Summer? Hmmm, those would be very interesting choices! I like them both. Oooo, I loved Sheila E when she did Next Great American Band. She’d be a great judge, too. My husband would love Victoria Beckham, LOL. I thought she did a great job.
But please, no Howard Stern!
Joanne
host of the Gospel Soundcheck
posted February 8, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Howard Stern!? Absolutely NOT! I wouldn’t watch Idol anymore either. I’m already having a hard time with Ellen being a judge . . . it’s sad.
posted February 9, 2010 at 11:14 am
Kimberly, what don’t you like about Ellen? I think she’s funny, and I’ve found her very family friendly. Did I miss something?
Joanne
host of the GS blog
posted February 10, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Ellen was terrific on her debut providing a little levity but seeming to take the actual task of judging very seriously. I’m looking forward to seeing how she does.
I saw an interview with Kara today where she made a very good point that Simon — love him or loathe him — is the guy on the panel who has experience spotting and developing talent. Whoever replaces him really should come with that kind of resume. That may lean toward your David Foster, Joanne. But it could also mean the next new judge will not be an established celebrity along the lines of Ellen.
posted February 10, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Rich, all I know is that it can’t be Howard Stern, LOL! Please!
This should be fun!
Tonight is always my favorite part of Hollywood week – the group auditions.
Joanne