'Idol' producers want Howard Stern to replace Cowell New York Post Page Six February 5, 2010
American Idol" producers are eager to hire Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell as the show's tough-talking judge, sources tell Page Six.
An insider said that producers of the hit Fox show say Stern, America's highest-paid radio personality, is their top choice to take over from Cowell, who leaves at the end of this season. They approached the King of All Media after he repeatedly mentioned on-air that his exclusive Sirius XM Radio deal expires next January and he was open to other offers. Cowell was paid $50 million a year.
A source connected to "Idol" said, "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.
But a second source told us Stern hasn't made the "Idol" talks easy, and has been giving out mixed messages about his intentions.
"Despite what he's been saying on-air, Howard isn't ready to leave radio and would like to stay on at Sirius," the source said. "We believe 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 is also believed to be reluctant to commit to a show that would require him to tour the US as a judge and spend much of the year in Los Angeles.
He recently said, somewhat cryptically, "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."
Calls to Stern's agent and producer were not returned. A rep for FOX declined to comment.
The issue I have with this is that it turns the show into something else, I think. With Cowell, more than his bitter sarcastic remarks, it was his ability to pick real talent. The guy was a genius when it came to music and really spotted talent well. With Stern, sure he's an entertaining guy in front of the camera, and certainly has some music background, but NOTHING like Cowell. I'd be very concerned about the show turning into a sideshow because of HS.
If Stern can lose the f bombs I think he would do a great job. I just don't want a lot of beeps and such... My worry is that he might be disrespectful to some of the female singers, I don't think the idol audence would go for that.
i think Howard has mellowed somewhat in the past few years and would like to establish a better image.....to me he really enjoys or puts more effort into the celebraty interviews on his program...i think Howard is shooting for an interview show on tv....Howard as the new Larry King?....wouldn't surprise me....
I've always been of the opinion that Howard is a Radio Guy - almost exclusively.
If an outfit wants to A/V his radio program for the tube, there might be an audience there.
I agree with those who insist how part of Cowell's appeal is in his professionalism about picking Talent - a major element of the show... although somewhat buried in the mix.
Howard Stern Confirms 'Idol' Talks By Dylan Stableford The Wrap.com February 08, 2010
Howard Stern told his satellite radio listeners on Monday that he is considering leaving Sirius – and radio altogether -- to become a judge on “American Idol.”
Stern confirmed a report that Fox is interested in hiring the Sirius shock jock to replace Simon Cowell on the reality show.
“There’s not a better job on the planet than judging that f---ing karaoke contest,” Stern said.
“It might be possible, we’ll see,” he said, adding: “They’d have to pay me a ton of dough because I already make a ton of dough.”
Stern’s five-year, $500 million contract with Sirius expires at the end of the year.
Responding to a television report speculating Fox would have to match his current annual salary, Stern replied: “A $100 million to judge a karaoke contest? Yeah, I would do that show for $100 million.”
Stern said he would not do a radio show if he got the “Idol” gig. (Which makes me think that this, too, is pure posturing in a contract year.)
"If I do say do myself, I can't imagine anyone else but me replacing (Cowell),” Stern said. “I mean, I don't know. How else are they going to make that show work? Who knows how to broadcast and who knows how to be interesting? And who's not afraid to speak their mind?"
One hitch in the Stern-to-“Idol” scenario would be the King of All Media’s fear of flying. Stern said he turned down an opportunity to appear as a guest on the “Tonight Show” during Conan O’Brien’s last week because he didn’t want to fly to Los Angeles.
On Monday, Stern said his fear would not prevent him from taking the “Idol” gig, despite the disparate auditions.
“It would be the best thing that happened to me,” he said. “What a cush job -- $100 million for four months. Who wouldn’t take that?”
By the end of the show, however, Stern jokingly offered what he might say as a judge -- the kind of offensive material that's made him a legendary a shock jock but would all but kill the chance of Fox hiring him:
"Hey Fantasia, you're not getting little boys hard. Nobody's beating off to you. You look like you stepped out of a cartoon. Little boys want boners. They want a Britney Spears or a Rihanna. Little boys are scared that you are going to sit on them. You're out. Honey, you look like you stepped out of a Haitian earthquake. You've got to go clean up your act. Get a haircut like Rihanna if you want little boys beating off to you."
And his comments about Ellen Degeneres and Randy Jackson were so offensive, I'd feel weird repeating them here.
He won't do it. He's constantly complaining about going into work now and he hates being away from his wife and he hates flying. Top that with having a sizeable amount in the bank, I don't see it happening.
Its just a headline that Howard is milking in this year of contract negotiations. He was on about it again on this morning's show; if he was serious about taking that job, he wouldn't be babbling about it on the air so much.
As much as I'd love to see Howard go on and rip those contestants, his presence would totally change the fabric of the show...the producers know that.
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