Paula Abdul: Bret Michaels Would Be an "Awesome" American Idol Judge
Credit: Mike Coppola/FilmMagic
Ex-American Idol judge Paula Abdul has given Bret Michaels her blessing as Simon Cowell's successor.
"If he were to take that position I think he would be awesome at it because you've got to have a passion and love for music," Abdul, 47, told UsMagazine.com at the Tony Awards Gift Lounge in NYC Sunday.
PHOTOS: See Paula Abdul and others at the Tony Awards in NYC
Michaels has been considered a top contender for the open seat since his surprise performance of "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" at the May 26 finale.
VIDEO: Watch Bret sing "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" on the Idol finale
"It takes somebody who really, really understands young people to try to make the magic happen in those 30 seconds," she added. "[Bret] would fit the mold perfectly."
But Michaels isn't the only person Abdul envisions sitting with Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres at the judge's table.
PHOTOS: Before they were American Idol judges
"I think Simon's mom Julie would be brilliant, because who knows him better than she?" Abdul told Us.
"Honestly, the word replacement to me does not apply because, as we all know, they broke the mold after Simon. I don't think he could ever be replaced," she said. "There should be no comparison."
PHOTOS: Inside the American Idol finale
And as Us Weekly first reported in May, Abdul is gearing up for her role as head judge on CBS' upcoming Got to Dance, a U.S. version of the hit U.K. reality competition.
"I'm beyond excited about this," Abdul said. "We’re in the middle of hiring the amazing talent that makes the magic happen!"















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13Sway, I am with you. My ex died from diabetes when he was 46. Deny, deny, deny. My son lost a daddy at 7 years old and my daughter at 14. I feel he is heading down the same road. Sometimes men view illness as weakness. I feel sorry for the kids and Kristi. I sent him my sentiments in a letter with a tee shirt that said on it "Dont wait until it's too late." I guess his career is taking precedence over his girls. My heart truly aches for the kids. Plus he never thanked me for the shirt LOLOL debra from gilbert az
I dont think Bret Michaels would be a good judge on AI. My reason is that I dont believe he would like anything but the type of music he plays. I cant see him voting yes for an opera singer. sorry bret...:-)
Bret would be a perfect replacement for Simon...DO IT, DO IT!!!!!
More people would watch the show!half do now, But Bret is easy on the eyes!!
I think Bret Michaels could and should be simons' replacment after all hes' the best!!!!
B, Im your friend, you know this. But I want you home with the girls to recoop for just a little while. If you do Idol, that would be next year in tandum with Poisons 25th Ann. and any solo venture. Not much time to spend with the girls like you want as you profess in the first ep of your new reality show. Actions should do what your heart puts out your mouth, boy! My heart aches for those girls and as a woman, for Kristi too. Shes given you almost 2 decades! Youve heard me tell you this in person just the other day so Im not sharing secrets. I want you around for yrs to come but the way YOU perform, while compromised at the moment, is still too much for this kind of recovery. Go home with the girls and film the reality show to appease your spotlight desire (said with love). As for Idol, I have to wonder if your name would be thrown in there if your image didnt suddenly explode because of health issues. I love Ellen but if you replace anyone, it should be her. Whomever replaces Simon should have a hardcore business end of the music industry. Youd be more the performers judge, hence, youd have been good to replace Paula when she left. But not Simon (whom Im not a fan of anyway). The other side of me would love to see you 2x a week on my TV but I can put those feelings aside for your better health. Love you B, you know. Kiss RJK for me and be safe, dammit (aka SLOW DOWN; youve tempted fate all your life and are on borrowed time as is). See you very soon as you know. Hugs xo
This is just my personal opinion. I do not like Brett Michaels, but I am a hugh fan of American Idol. I do not think he should step into Simon's shoes
I would like to see sharon osbourne replace simon
Of course the women will love him, probably even more than Simon:) So it definitely would work:) Rock On! Jo Ann and the Dudes @ ES Audio in Burbank, CA:)
Of course women are going to love him, maybe even more than Simon, so it would definitely work:) Rock On! JoAnn and the Dudes @ ES Audio Recording in Burbank, CA:)
I would watch it if I could see his lovely face.....
That's nice of Paula Abdul to say!
I have been thinking and saying that Bret Michaels would be the best Idol judge - he seems like the nicest man, but knows so much about the industry that he would be helpful and real to the contestants. He's DEFINITELY got my vote to be a judge :)!