While the blogosphere is atwitter today over a New York Post report that American Idol has tapped radio jock Howard Stern as the leading candidate to replace Simon Cowell on the show’s judging panel in 2011, a source close to the show tells EW that “the search has just begun, nor are there any front-runners at this time.” Furthermore, “nobody’s going to be offered a job [as a permanent Idol judge] for a while,” the source added. “We’re doing a very thorough search.” A call to Stern’s PR rep was not immediately returned.
Cowell announced last month he will not return to Idol for its 10th season next year, and will instead bring his X-Factor singing competition to Fox’s fall 2011 schedule.
For all my Idol-related news and commentary, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak!
Image Credit: Stern: Evan Agostini/Getty Images; Cowell: Michael Becker/Fox
Many people say this but if THAT MAN was to join the show, I would never watch it again!!
agree.
threegree
Fourgree. He is a complete joke.
Amerinan Idol is muh favorite!
Fa-fa fooey; Fa-fa foo-hy. Hey-yo!
what a terrible mistake this would be…if this happens I will not watch Idol (and I have never said that before now) and will change the station to Cowell’s XFactor. Please do not do this. There alot of other risky judges that are not Stern.
This is just a negotiation tactic. There is no way Stern would do the show. I don’t want Stern to judge Idol for the same reason I don’t want Ellen on the show. NO MUSICAL EXPERTISE!
What a bunch of crybabies.
You’d rather have a “safe” judge like Ellen.
FTR, I was not in favor of having Ellen as a judge, not because she’s “safe,” but because she lacks knowledge of music or the music business. I don’t want Stern on the show because he’s “unsafe” but because I don’t find him amusing or entertaining in any way — to me, he’s a talking trash can. Given that, I’d rather have Oscar the Grouch as judge.
Wow, with Howard on there I would watch for sure.
word. Howard is great!
Ma ma monkey
Yeah, have any of you mindless cretins ever listened to Howard? HE RULES!
you are right on the money! Howard is the King of all media.
Esme, I’ve listened to Howard on his own show. He’s an idiot. He’d be even more of an idiot on Idol.
HEAR HEAR!!!
The only way I would ever watch is if Howard was on. And all the people that are saying he is a trash talker are full of it and have obviously NEVER HEARD HIS SHOW.
You can add me to this list. Stern is a jerk, and I’ve had enough of jerks on AI. Loved Simon until he lost interest in the show (quite some time ago).
Thanks Slezak! As always, you rawk!
Stern is not a jerk. I guarantee you have never listened to his show.
Adding Stern to the show would just be another NAIL in Idol’s COFFIN … ratings are on the decline already.
Agreed. I have loathed Stern since his days as a NYC dj in the 1970s. Nothing I’ve seen in the ensuing 30 years has caused me to change my mind. I turned him off on the radio back then and I’d turn off any show he’s on today.
Wow, you hated Stern as a NYC DJ in the 70′s? Do you have a time machine? That’d be sweet!
Do you mean when Stern was in Westchester? He didn’t go to NYC until the ’80s.
And if you turned Howard off “back then,” meaning the 70′s, then how would you know what he’s like now? By your own admission, you haven’t listened to him since. So basically, you’re judging someone by a standard set thirty years ago. Don’t you think that’s a little unfair and presumptuous?
Dear Kiki – Stern WASN’T a dj in NYC in the 70′s. He didn’t come to New York until the mid-80′s. what you REALLY mean to say is that you’ve NEVER heard him before, and like millions of others, your opinion of him is just the regurgitate opinion of holier-than-thou types. Thanks for playing.
Liar! He wasn’t a DJ in NYC in the 70′s!
Kiki and everyone else who thinks they know Stern and his show even though you never listen to it and have no idea what he is like, go blow it out your asses you jelous little cry babies. That is the only way that show would be at all worth watching. If you don’t like then go read your bible instead…when you’re done, cram it up your fat a$$es. Bababooye to youall
Kiki, I’m with you. He’s so disgusting . One listen to him and the channel is changed forever.
Disagree. I would start watching the show.
is this from Kevlar the King of Karoake of Evansville?
Stern is a genius and you AI simpletons not wanting him to be the judge only underscores how brilliant his humor is and how mindless AI viewers are. I’m glad he declined, hopefully he is back on Sirius next year. And Bababooey to you all.
Or maybe we don’t like his humor. Does that also make you mindless?
@James: nice comeback, any chance you are an NBC executive???
Amen! Freakin Lemmings!! I’d WATCH the show if he was judge. Keep in mind all the people not wanting Stern, these are the same people who believe Brittany Spears is a great singer. Its because of this show, mainstream music is soo watered down!! Keep being ignorant, i’m sure its gotten all you followers very far in your lives
@Justin…LOL, I bet I could run NBC better than they did the last 8 months.
@Tom…I can’t stand Brittney Spears music, and I also think mainstream music is stupid for the most part these days. That doesn’t mean that Howard effin’ Stern’s going to make it better.
He (Stern) revels in being outrageous and controversial. Him being on Idol would mean one of two things:
1) Idol throttles him down so much that he ends up hating his life and either blows up on camera or somewhere else.
2) His controversial status takes over Idol, making it no longer fan friendly, killing ratings for the show. I’m sure FOX would love that.
Lemmings are the ones blindly following, not the ones stopping and NOT jumping off the cliff. And no one believes Brittany Spears is a good singer except pre-teenagers a decade ago.
I think it’s funny that a stern listener would call Idol fans mindless. Stern’s kind of humor takes no creativity at all. It’s crass and stupid. You can extrapolate what that says about people who worship him. BTW, in his private life, he probably hates you all and laughs at you for buying into his “humor.” Wouldn’t that be so funny?
Stern has about as much talent as a rock in my yard and the folks that listen to him are about as intelligent.
Henry you should put those rocks to work, they could make you millions! Your idea of stimulating entertainment is probably a CSI Miami marathon. It’s Witless dolts like you that are responsible for the watering down of network television.
Is Howard Stern what you call “stimulating entertainment”?
Last time I checked he was just an outrageous shock jock that couldn’t sing, act, dance, write, play sports, make comedy (sorry, tellling blue jokes and drooling over lesbians isn’t comedy) or anything else, other than just using facile shock tactics on a radio show…
Elliot clearly you have never been a Stern listener and only make these assumptions based on third hand conjecture. Let me guess you are also a Jay Leno fan??
yeah, I own global software development company with revenues that would make your yearly income look like an ant in your backyard.
I listen to howard every monday – thursday, not only is he extremely intelligent, he has far more experience in the music industry than ellen who I find not humorous at all.
You all are so dumb, obviously if Howard went on American Idol he would not be talking sex, he’s a very good businessman and I think his wit and humor would take American Idol to places Simon could never take it.
Take a 5 day trial at sirius.com, listen to a live show, you will buy a subscription.
Not to mention, Howards audience on sirius is what, 10-20 million people?
Howard Stern has less Brains than God gave a blister!..the network must have something in commin if they even consider Stern as talented! The guy is a geek!
Russ,
It’s funny that your post insulting the brains of another person includes a misspelling.
Any of you that think for a second that Howard would fail at Idle if given the chance are crazy. Howard has succeeded at everything he has touched in his career. He’s ruled the media for 20 years plus!!!
All this from people who have no talent and have never heard his show. Jealousy can turn you ugly, my friends.
Yes, thats why he’s TWO TIME a New York Times Best seller.
He’s had a #1 Box Office movie.
Has held audiences and the #1 spot in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia at the same time.
He’s obviously a no talent. Sure.
Howard rocks….not saying you have to like him, but the man is a genius. I have never seen an episode of Am Idol, but would watch if Howard were on – he’s hilarious. Poor Ellen would “quit” – go ahead and quit – you give dogs away illegally and are mean to people, but play nice on TV. At least Howard isn’t a hypocrite – he’s mean to everyone!!! Baahahahahaa
I diffinitely wouldn’t watch if he was a judge. I don’t want a “safe” judge but I don’t want one like this creep either.
All these negative statements from people who don’t listen nor understand his radio show. I hope he doesnt go on Idol either, simply because the fans and performers on the show are a bunch of brainwashed-drink the koolaid- forcefeed me music please!-wouldnt know music if it hit them over the head-LEMMINGS!!!! Go and cry yourself to sleep with your favorite Brittany Spears song!! Howard Stern is the realest person I have EVER heard speak his mind to a national audience. All you idiots complaining follow the rest of the sheep in believing that he is just sex,sex, and more sex. Quit being so naive and biased and form an opinion for yourself by listening to a full show for yourself,rather than passing judgement based on the very little you know!! Howard Stern is a Genius!!! Anyone whose met him has sad those same words
I would’nt watch Howard Stern because I like you associate him with other well publicized accomplishments, you see him as a Genius I see him as a marketing expert who has harnessed the collective adolescent fantasies of the american male. Also he is bit of a comedian, Even if he does have the ability to spot talent he will immediately and alwqays be associated with his former notoriety, or in your case his popularity. I may watch “Idol” after Cowell’s gone, but I have reservations about Howard Stern as while I don’t neccesarily dislike him I don’t like his general persona Also “American Idol” has been neutral on spiritual matters. Howard Stern doenst like Christians and I am a born again Christian.
Do any of you haters realize that 10 million people PAY! to listen to him on average according to Arbitron ratings!!?? Most of these people are hardworking blue collar and white collar Americans. Quit spewing your hate and listen to a whole show and pass a judgement!! SUCH IGNORANCE!!!!!
maybe they can get Leno to do it.
Arti Lang was ba-ba booeyed.
Good, Don’t other people will!
And why is that, because it would endanger the “purity and sanctity” of the show? Give me a break. Stern would be the best thing to happen to this circus following Cowell’s departure. He would be the only redeeming aspect of the show at this point, and would bring the only credibility to the panel.
Stop being so scared of life. You probably hate Simon for being so to the point. Maybe you shouldn’t watch the show anyway.
I am a huge fan of Simon’s and would not want Stern on Idol at all. I am so shocked that all these Stern fans are supporting this either since it seems so not his style to do Idol. Please do not put Stern on AI, this is a total mismatch…AI fans are not Stern fans and Stern fans unlikely watch Idol. Yuck, terrible choice! Simon rules and if this happens I will turn off Idol and turn on X Factor for sure.
AAWW … I am SO SURE that retarded show could survive without your viewership. Besides THANK GOD it is dying off anyway. Howard would only breathe new life into the show and give it a boost of longevity. In that regard I TOO hope he doesn’t join … I think the world has had ENOUGH of “American Idiots”. However I do agree with Ba Ba Booey
If THAT MAN joins the show I will START watching it!
You have never listened to Stern.
I HAVE listened to him, and don’t particularly care for his humor. (No, I don’t think his fans are idiots or anything; I just don’t find him funny.) It seems to me that Fox would have to clamp down on the outrageousness that his fans enjoy due to FCC regulations, and what would be the fun in watching a bowdlerized Howard Stern anyway?
Stern is a genius…..far from a jerk…..and hes had so much therapy I think hes practically a qualified therapist……. a very wise man, and the best interviewer in history….would love to see him on idol, and interviews on the red carpet….he should have his own show where he interviews people…… but I also hope he stays on Sirius at least a couple days a week… I really love Howard
He is very special
love howard got paid radio to listen to him,the people who like idol will still watch…AND you add all of howards fans…most of whom don’t watch idol(me included) brilliant move
I agree. I can’t stand him!!!!!!
Idol is boooooring. Howard Stern as judge? Now, that’s appointment TV!
If Howard Sterns joins the show, no one will watch the show. This show is about a dream for young teenagers, Howard has no morals and would destroy the show. He demoralizes woman. NO NO NO!
I told you not to be stupid you moron. Now shut up and sit down!
Howard’s a genius. In fact, I’ve found that people’s ability to enjoy Howard Stern’s humor is directly proportional to their IQ.
Agree. It would be the death of Idol.
It turns my stomach to think of Howard Stern on Idol. If he is, and hopefully he won’t be, I will definitely stop watching.
What a degrading and disgusting thought! That man has no respect.
Who ever hires him is an idiot.
Howard Stern is Chauvanist Pig ok!
He has always put women down and has a very vulgar mouth. You can
bet many people will discontinue
watching him if this becomes reality.
I also agree. My thoughts on Mr. Stern,(Whom I have Listened to and watched for years)is that any young lady with large breast, Mr. Stern would vote “Yes” on, no matter her talent.
If I knew Howard was being genuine and not just cruel, it would be one thing, but you might as well bring back Joe Jonas and his insightful “yeah”…
AI holds itself out as family entertainment – Stern will not be on AI.
agreed. he’s in negotiations with Sirius, and any rumor is possible leverage. however, he’s never been dull, love him or hate him…there’s no middle ground and that’s not a bad thing in television.
Have any of you actually listened to Howard Stern? Not sure what you think he would do on Network television that would be soooo horrible.
Oh, I dunno know. Maybe “Hey, your voice was just awful. Okay, how about you jump on this Sybian.”
You do realize that about 90% of the people reading this, have no idea what a Sybian is. LMAO.
People can Google the Sybian and find out what it is.
sybian=sexytimes
LOL… Howard would be thrilled to know everyone is talking about him. Flah-Flah-Floo-eeee.
HaHaHa he said Sybian, I felt movement in my pants…
He said, sybian=sexytime…lol
thats funny too.
Your right Dave, most these people wouldnt know what that is and thats because they like to always play it safe.
Howard who?
Didn’t he use to have a radio show or something?
Your snarkiness would probably go over better if he didn’t have a contract that pays $100 million/year
It was funny when Jackie Martling was writing. When he moved to Sirius I stopped listening; it stunk anyway without Jackie. The entire universe could not hold Stern’s ego. I don’t miss him at all.
Really, you’re a big Jackie Marlow fan? Really?
I’d rather Howard re-sign with Sirius then go down with this sinking-ship of a show.
Idol fans would be more than happy to oblige.
Doesn’t this basically confirm a season next year?
as usual the ignorant howard haters have no idea about him. Extremely inciteful on that show. Would bring new life into the show and keep it real instead of having ellen degeneres and her so called funny angle and just being nice. Howard knows about music and knows talent when he hears it. His wit will also show to people that dont know him, that its not all about tits and ass.
Amen, brother.
These prudes who don’t like him have no idea about what real comedy is.
I don’t mind Howard, but the show doesn’t need another comedian, it needs someone from the music business. Maybe a Quincy Jones or a Herb Albert. Or perhaps someone a little more cutting edge; Rick Rubin? Beck? Howard wouldn’t be bad, but they could do better.
Since when is Howard Stern a comedian?
Very insightful, Jon Gosselin. Very insightful.
You mean “inciteful”, which is either dumb-as-rocks or simply brilliant (if intentional)
Agree, but they still wouldn’t do it!
Sure, he’s witty. Awesome. But there are also plenty of witty people who aren’t as crude.
You mean crude as when he has banned staff members from the studio because of gratuitous cursing? Really, if you have ZERO informed opinion then you are just ignorant.
I was thinking the exact same thing. I read these comments and truly believe these people have never heard his show once. Naked chicks and stuff is a very small part of the show. Howard would be great, but I can’t see him wanting to do it. Way too grueling. He didnt even want to fly to LA to be on Conans last show. Bababooey to you all!!!
We had Stern on the air here (Detroit) for a few years. I listened. Not that funny. Of course, i don’t care about American Idol, either, so that’s that.
That would be amazing!
This would be awesome!!!! Howard Rules.
I love AI, but I will definitely not watch if he is on.
Who cares? You’d be the loser, FOOL!
There isn’t any truth to this post. Howard said on his show that he should replace Simon because he would give honest opinions. He was only kidding about wanting to be on the show. BTW- He is a big fan of AI.
They would be NUTS to hire Howard Stern. I doubt that his listeners would follow him over to AI, as the show attracts a completely different type of audience. Plus, Simon may piss people off, but most will still watch the show even when he’s at his cruelest. Such won’t be the cast with Howard. Love him but he’s too polarizing. Never gonna happen unless someone wants this show to end sooner than later.
Better check those demos, genius.
H-H-H-oward w-w-w-ould n-n-n-ever d-d-do th-th-th-at st-st-stupid sh-sh-show.
LOL!!!
People that never listened to Howard have opinions of him. That makes him a commodity. Most of his listeners don’t bother with “American Idol” so that would bring a whole new audience to the show. I hate the show but would watch if someone capable of giving real and insightful criticism were to sit on the panel.
Howard has a lot more fans than Ellen and they are much different types of fans; and most of her milquetoast viewers watch this crap anyway which is why the numbers are already sinking this year — > she brings nothing new and the people that hate her and find her annoying are jumping ship. They need someone like Howard to give this show some new viewers and some truth.
It’s good that it would bring a whole new audience because the whole PRESENT audience would probably likely leave is HS became a judge. Just say NO.
And in your heart of hearts you really believe Howard is the guy capable of giving real and insightful criticism? No matter how hard I try I just can’t fathom that happening.
There is a place for Howard Stern, possibly even in the music industry, I just don’t think that place is American Idol.
Actually, Howard has frequently and repeatedly had unsigned bands on the show over the years and HAS given honest opinions with professional insight. Howard was a programmer, and actually does know about selecting musical. Non-fans want to paint him in a paritcular light, but NO person is just one thing. For example, Rush Limbaugh is both fat AND stupid. See?
I didn’t know that about Howard. Based on what you’ve told me maybe it would work. It’s kind of too bad that people only associate him with the baser, less flattering entries on his CV, thank you for setting me straight. Loved the Rush Limbaugh comment, if anyone out there has a redeeming quality to share in regard to America’s portly bag of hot air, please, do tell.
Seriously, Frank, thank you, I really didn’t know that about Howard and it does change my perception of him.
Why do people keep harping on and on that Stern listeners don’t watch AI? What’s wrong with liking both AI and Stern? I know plenty of people who like both…