The NewYorkPost is reporting that American Idol executives are chomping at the bit to replace Simon Cowell with Howard Stern.  Howard’s contract with Sirius radio deal ends next January and a source connected to American Idol says:

“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 another source says:

“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

However people in the know claim that Howard Stern does not want to have to tour the US and spend time in Los Angeles as the show requires.  He said on his show:

“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”

Do you think Howard would be a good choice as Simon Cowell’s replacement?  Who else would you think would fill those shoes?

Photo: WENN