Expert "Can't Think of Anyone Better" Than Howard Stern to Replace Simon Cowell
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It's rumored that Howard Stern will take Simon Cowell's place on the American Idol judge's table next year. Will it work?
More than 80 percent of UsMagazine.com readers think so.
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But the move is "not without its risks," warns Marc Berman, the senior television editor at Mediaweek.
"It's an enormous gamble. He certainly is a name. He certainly is not afraid to speak his mind. He would create a lot of controversy. If they're looking to keep the show on the map, it's not a bad idea," Berman says.
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The shock jock would definitely stir up some drama, Berman adds.
Stern "is not exactly G-rated," Berman points out. "Parents with young children might not let their kids watch. He's going to say, 'Screw it, I'm going to say whatever I want.'"
Idol viewers who loved to watch Paula Abdul and Cowell spar would still have a fight to watch each week.
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"I'm sure he wouldn't completely get along with Kara or Randy or Ellen. It would be chaos and turmoil," Berman says.
But because Stern doesn't have a music background -- like Ellen DeGeneres -- and the series is about finding talent, "it cheapens the brand," Berman says. "What does he really know about music?"
And ultimately, if the Fox reality hit drops in ratings, Stern "would be blamed," Berman adds.
Tell Us What You Think
64I think Howard Stern would be perfect for the show. He would be outspoken, honest and funny. I believe that it is all shtick on his radio show and that the women that go on his show, deserve to be exploited. As far as music is concerned, what does Ellen know about music? He's been on a radio station most of his life. Give him a chance....I think he's a perfect replacement for Simon. He's not as dumb as you people think...he would definitely tone it down for his pg audience.
I f Stern replaced Simon I would be a huge fan of the show. I canâ??t think of a better replacement. He would give the contestants a good kick in the butt as well as the judges. None of the judges now know anything about music. They pick horrible unoriginal robots that sing the same junk that infects the music industry. Come on people; watch the show for what it is. Simon ripping on some no talent jerks for a laugh. Stern is my first and only choice.
Stern is not an appropriate choice for AI given his history. I for one, as well as my family, will not continue to watch the show if he is chosen as the replacement. It's going to be hard to replace Simon.
CANNOT stand Howard Stern. Will Not watch----if they place him there, I hope the thing goes down the tube.
American Idol may as well leave TV. I would never watch "bad mouth Stern". I wonder if his parents ever washed his mouth out with soap. He lacks a vocabulary, therefore, profanity fills in.
They already have one person on the panel who has nothing to do with the music industry and now they want to add another? Bad move-it will turn the show into a joke! It should be Randy, Kara and Tommy Matola-get rid of ellen and pls don't put howard stern.
Why does Simon have to leave?!?!? PLEASE STAY SIMON! :(
Ewe! No! He's gonna want to see the contestants strip, or perform in the buff, or want to know their favorite sex position...not how well they sing. Ewe!
What does Stern know about music?!?!?! Hello - He has been a radio dj for the majority of his life. He knows what songs will play. What does Ellen know? She has NEVER been in the music industry. She's a music enthusiast. She is NOT an expert!
I think it would be cool to have him as a guest FOR SURE, to test the waters, but I don't know as a permanent replacement. It is an interesting idea though. Oh, he would tear Ellen apart!!!
i'm not sure i'll watch next season if simon goes...the show is already pg 13 rated now, i can't believe some of the stuff they're allowing, my 10 yr old daughter, mother and aunt have been long time viewers and i think it's sad that now children can't even watch a show like American Idol, it's not a family show anymore...they've taken it way out of content...making fun of people, ridiculing people...i'll have to think about continuing to support this show which has been greatly disappointing me in the past year
My 21 year old son suggests the Prince of Darkness as a replacement for Simon.
WHAT A JOKE!
Absolutly not!!!!!!!!!!
Would be interesting to see Howard on TV again, but sometimes his language is a bit too vulgar. Shouldn't they get someone who has some music education/background so they can assess talent ?
Has anyone else noticed how a lot of shows are going down the crapper lately? Oprah is leaving her show, Tyra is leaving her show, Jay Leno was fired from his show and then they asked him to come back so they fire Conan. Paula left Idol which was also sad and even on a more sadder not...Simon who rules Idol is leaving too! That seriously sucks! I'm getting sick of this! There is nothing good on t.v anymore which is why I rarely ever watch t.v. Thank god David Letterman & Ellen are still on t.v. I love them. :)
@Lisa I have listened to his show many times! And I have to tell ya...He is by far one of the fithiest men ever!! I'm not saying he is a bad person but he does have a filthy mouth which could get him in trouble on a show like American Idol. This is the same guy that feels women up on his show and treats them like meat, talks about sex, uses racists names, talks about womens boobs, p.u.s.s.y, wacking off, b.l.o.w jobs, uses profanity & the list goes on. American idol is not just a show for teenagers and adults as young children also watch the show too!
Palize!! I would never watch if he replaces Simon! Even with Ellen on the panel!
It's trueâ??no one could match Stern and the ratings he'd bring them. But despite being the #1 show on TV, I don't think American Idol can afford him. He made over 700 million in 5 years at Sirius with the incentives, and American Idol only pays Simon 50 million a year.
They would lose alot of their audience if they brought that a$$ clown to Idol. He is a disgusting male chauvinist pig who thinks way too highly of himself. Allison if you think he's respectful to women I can't imagine what disrespectful looks like. I've listened to his show and I've never seen him consider anyone's feelings.