'Idol' producers want Howard Stern to replace Cowell - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 02-05-2010, 07:46 AM

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"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.

"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."

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.

Brian Damage · 02-05-2010, 09:25 AM

hmmm, interesting, I seriously doubt Howard would leave radio for AI, but crazier things have happened.

Impressions · 02-05-2010, 10:12 AM

...and I thought this was supposed to be a family show.

JamesG · 02-05-2010, 11:08 AM

I think this really goes to show how serious Idol is with getting judges for a supposed singing competition. Come on.. why are Ellen and Howard going for this or being considered for it?

It's starting to make more sense now why Simon wanted out...

They should get someone like Prince, he knows music and will make the people who suck feel like crap for sure.

TeeVeeCloset · 02-05-2010, 12:44 PM

If Fox really wants Stern, then put same day half hour versions of his sirius show (like the old E! shows) on in latenight from 11:00PM-11:35PM and follow him with Conan, that would light up an explosion of media attention and finally give Fox a chance of a successful launch into latenight......If Conan goes to Fox at 11:00PM, his demographic will continue to watch The Daily Show, but Howard would give real buzz and then let Conan compete directly with Leno and Letterman at 11:35PM. Where I'm afraid he would still come in third.

catlover79 · 02-05-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

I think this really goes to show how serious Idol is with getting judges for a supposed singing competition. Come on.. why are Ellen and Howard going for this or being considered for it?

It's starting to make more sense now why Simon wanted out...

They should get someone like Prince, he knows music and will make the people who suck feel like crap for sure.

Exactly!! Don't forget that Neil Patrick Harris was also in the running for the slot that Ellen ended up getting. You hit the nail right on the head.

catlover79 · 02-05-2010, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Impressions

...and I thought this was supposed to be a family show.

TJL · 02-05-2010, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

hmmm, interesting, I seriously doubt Howard would leave radio for AI, but crazier things have happened.

Howard doesn't seem too interested in signing on for another five years; and he's certainly not going to get the same multi million dollar deal he got when he went to Sirrus. Maybe this will be the exit from radio he's been looking for.

Chocoholic · 02-05-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Impressions

...and I thought this was supposed to be a family show.

I agree. If Howard signs on, I'm gone.

Impressions · 02-05-2010, 07:30 PM

And I always thought he was anti-Idol. I remember a few years back, it was season 6, in which he asked listeners to vote for the worst, aka Sanjaya.

Marvo301 · 02-05-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Impressions

And I always thought he was anti-Idol. I remember a few years back, it was season 6, in which he asked listeners to vote for the worst, aka Sanjaya.

Maybe A.I. is trying to follow the old adage "keep your friends close and your enemies closer".

spunkygirl · 02-05-2010, 11:18 PM

Ugh, they do this, they might as well cancel the show now

JamesG · 02-05-2010, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Exactly!! Don't forget that Neil Patrick Harris was also in the running for the slot that Ellen ended up getting. You hit the nail right on the head.

Really? I didn't hear about that.

I know that he was on the show as a guest judge.

catlover79 · 02-06-2010, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZKS

Ugh, they do this, they might as well cancel the show now

I'm all for it!!

Schmoopie · 02-06-2010, 05:01 AM

Just when I thought AI couldn't get any worse!

02-05-2010, 07:46 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,386	'Idol' producers want Howard Stern to replace Cowell Link "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. "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." 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.
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02-05-2010, 09:25 AM	#2
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	hmmm, interesting, I seriously doubt Howard would leave radio for AI, but crazier things have happened.
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02-05-2010, 12:44 PM	#5
TeeVeeCloset Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 25, 2003 Posts: 1,873	If Fox really wants Stern, then put same day half hour versions of his sirius show (like the old E! shows) on in latenight from 11:00PM-11:35PM and follow him with Conan, that would light up an explosion of media attention and finally give Fox a chance of a successful launch into latenight......If Conan goes to Fox at 11:00PM, his demographic will continue to watch The Daily Show, but Howard would give real buzz and then let Conan compete directly with Leno and Letterman at 11:35PM. Where I'm afraid he would still come in third.
	__________________ Living near "Ozzie Nelson Drive".....

02-06-2010, 05:01 AM	#15
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	Just when I thought AI couldn't get any worse!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

02-05-2010, 10:12 AM	#3
Impressions She died the way she lived Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 08, 2002 Posts: 4,640	...and I thought this was supposed to be a family show.

02-05-2010, 11:08 AM	#4
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,127	I think this really goes to show how serious Idol is with getting judges for a supposed singing competition. Come on.. why are Ellen and Howard going for this or being considered for it? It's starting to make more sense now why Simon wanted out... They should get someone like Prince, he knows music and will make the people who suck feel like crap for sure.

02-05-2010, 07:30 PM	#10
Impressions She died the way she lived Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 08, 2002 Posts: 4,640	And I always thought he was anti-Idol. I remember a few years back, it was season 6, in which he asked listeners to vote for the worst, aka Sanjaya.

02-05-2010, 11:18 PM	#12
spunkygirl Member Moderator Forum Celebrity Join Date: Apr 26, 2003 Posts: 21,563	Ugh, they do this, they might as well cancel the show now