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HOWARD STERN — SHOULD HE REPLACE ACID-TONGUED COWELL ON AMERICAN IDOL?

Posted by Adam

Saturday February 6, 2010

HOWARD Stern is said to be the hot favorite to replace Simon Cowell on American Idol.

As reported Friday, Idol producers are keen for the shaggy-haired legend of the airwaves — America’s highest-paid radio personality — to take over from the tough-talking music mogul when he leaves at the end of the talent show’s current season.

“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,” a source told the New York Post newspaper.

“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 is Stern right for the gig?

Marc Berman, the senior television editor at Mediaweek, says yes — but admits the the move is “not without its risks”.

“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 told Us Weekly magazine.

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.’

“I’m sure he wouldn’t completely get along with Kara or Randy or Ellen. It would be chaos and turmoil.”

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?”

Us Weekly also commissioned a poll, which found that a whopping 80% of readers would be more than happy to see Stern take over from Cowell.

However, 66% of People magazine’s readers think Howard should stick with radio.

Still, an Idol source told Entertainment Weekly magazine that “the search has just begun, nor are there any front-runners at this time.

“Nobody’s going to be offered a job [as a permanent Idol judge] for a while.

“We’re doing a very thorough search.”

What do you think, dear readers?

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  • jim

    It’s bad enough that Paula was replaced by a lesbian. Now the want to replace Simon with that degenerate Stern? I’m not sure what happened to the producer of American Idol but he is losing this viewer of many years! These are the role models we want our kids to follow? You’ve got to be kidding!

    • Lee Says

      If he gets on Im gone!

    • Lee Says

      If he gets on I’m gone!

    • hydraulicbanana

      Lesbian? What does that have to do with being able to judge a contest like this? Thats a pretty lame comment. Stern has absolutely no qualificiations to be a judge, so find someone else. If he is on, i refuse to watch it again.

  • Russ

    I never watched Idol at all but if Stern was on I have to say I probably would watch.

  • Badowski

    Howard Stern on American Idol? I love Simon and wasn’t planning on watching after he left, but if Howard Stern was a judge…..then YES, I WOULD WATCH!!!!

  • Buddy

    Mr.Stern’s a narcissit,a nympho,and plain vulger.He thinks he’s God’s gift to the human race when he isn’t.
    Having him as a judge is the bottom of the barrel.

  • Mo

    No,no,no…would never watch if he was a judge. Very vulgar, dirty old man

  • T C

    YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would WATCH.

  • Marianne Tickenoff

    Mr. Stern promotes soft porn on the radio & TV. Is this what we call talent? I will never watch it again should he be hired. This will prove that producer’s are truly prostituing themselves for money without the care for our children. They will be inadvertantly contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

  • Murphy G

    I haven’t watched Idol in years, but if Howard was a judge….then I would have to!!! I just assumed that after Simon left, the show would end…but hearing that Howard Stern could be a judge….how EXCITING!!! Howard Stern is the only person that could replace Simon!

  • Dlm

    Are you kidding. I wouldn’t ever watch again. What would he possibly know about talent? I would never put an ok to his rauncy style.

  • kk

    Please learn to spell before you start posting comments!!!!

    Howard Stern is an amazing entertainer and a fan of Idol. He would be very honest and interesting, but I doubt he would lower himself to a bubble-gum cheezy a*s show like Idol!

    This world is turning to an overly politically correct socialist nightmare.

    Freedom of speech people. Leave the man alone!

  • Murphy G

    Idol would lose some of it’s regular viewers, but would gain SOOOOO many loyal Howard fans….so the few that they lose would not even matter!!

  • http://yahoo SJ

    I would never watch Ido again..Stern is a frontman for debauchery

  • CR

    Howard Stern on American Idol….. I don’t watch it now , but that might be enough to get me to tune in to watch if even for a little while. But as far as Howard Stern being a role model for our children; when did i miss the memo that Howard Stern or tv producers started raising everyone’s children. As far saying that they care about the money and not the children….. it was always about the money and to think any different you would have to be the most naive person on the planet .

  • Aim

    Howard Stern is a briliant guy. He’s been around music his whole life. He will be just as good as simon or even better. I would definitely Watch. This is funny!! Don’t think he would do it he would have way to much to say.

    • J

      Ha! You’re worried about the loss of “role models”? I got 2 words for ya…Adam Lambert.
      “Hey, is that Perry Como?”
      “Nope…that’s Adam Lambert”
      “Oh…I get those two confused all the time…”
      That’s a conversation that NEVER HAPPENED”
      Another conversation that never happened, is the one between you and your kids about what constitutes the makings of a role model. I guess you just did what everyone else does and let the tv decide who was going to be their “idol”. I mean, I feel like turning into a lesbian everytime I see Ellen…and I’m a guy! That’s when I realized that I could…CHANGE THE CHANNEL! Gasp! Or beter yet, TURN THE TV OFF!!! Who cares if Stern replaces Cowell on AI? You certainly shouldn’t, I mean…you’re not going to watch, anyway…right?

  • SoCal

    When I first read the headline and then started reading the article about Howard being a potential replacement for Simon I thought, “great idea”; he’s brash, he’s honest and a perfect foil for the other judges; but Howard’s lack of musical credentials is probably enough for me to vote no. AI is not without its flaws, but what I think separates it from other lame reality shows (e.g., Jersey Shore) is that the contestants (at least those towards the end) actually have a talent and, ultimately, aspirations “do something” – in this case, have a musical career. Adding a judge with no musical credentials would definitely – as one person suggested above – “cheapen” the show. I love Howard, though! (P.S. May I suggest that “Jim”, who lamented that “it’s bad enough that Paula was replaced by a lesbian” get some therapy. :-) )

  • Dawn

    IF STERN SITS ON THE PANEL….GOODBYE AMERICAN IDOL…AND I HAVEN’T MISSED A SHOW SINCE IT STARTED!!!!
    THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER CREDITABLE PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT WE WOULD ENJOY WATCHING…STERN IS NOT ONE OF THEM!!!
    I THOUGHT VICTORIA BECKHAM AND NEIL PATRICK HARRIS DID AN EXCELLENT JOB!!! I’M NOT SAYING THEY COULD TAKE SIMON’S PLACE…BUT THEY WOULD BRING SOMETHING TO THE SHOW. IF IT TURNS OUT THAT YOU ADD ANOTHER WOMAN, I DON’T THINK RANDY WOULD MIND BEING THE ONLY GUY.
    ANYBODY BUT HIM PLEEEEEASE!!!!!!!!

  • http://chuckboon@att.net hboon

    Is idol a family show? At this time, I feel it is. Stern, for me, no. The values of Stern show thru his show. His spot on Idol, that ends my viewing Idol.

  • stewball

    HOWARD STERN IS ONE OF THE MOST REVOLTING PEOPLE I HAVE EVER SEEN OR HEARD. THESE FEELINGS OF MINE GO BACK AT LEAST 30 YEARS. I PRAY HE WILL NOT TAKE SIMON’S PLACE. HE IS A LOWLIFE. GOD FORBID HE SHOULD BE ON ANY PROGRAMME EVER AGAIN.

  • ken

    It would be too good to be true.

  • mike joseph

    H. Stern is such a disgusting pig. I would never watch a minute of Idol with him on. He’s the poster child for what is wrong with our society: a no talent ignorant foul mouth pig who has made a fortune by just being disgusting. It’s a sad reflection on our society that Stern gets paid so much because ignoant pigs find him entertaining.

  • ellen degeneres

    Howard Stern is the most repugnant human on Earth. I wish something would fall out of the sky and land on him. Something like Tyra Banks. People who think he’s entertaining are pigs.

  • ken

    …and all the people who say they will stop watching, are lying. They will watching even more closely. That’s for sure!

  • http://Yahoo.com Kelly Mandrell

    I agree with others who say … If Howerd Stern becomes a judge on American Idol, a show that I LOVE to watch, I would no longer be a fan of the show. He is a vulgar, dirty man with no music background. I’m sure he would comment distastefully on any decent female auditioning.

  • justy

    if stern becomes a judge then it goes to prove how messes up this country is getting he is a slum ball and this is a family show. AI would lose far to many viewers and I doubt they want to do that. I hate Howard Sterm. He is a pig

  • Judy Platt

    I am a hip old broad who has NEVER watched Idol because I think it’s a waste of time…..BUT if Howard Stern is a judge it would definitely be more interesting!!! I say go with HOWARD and let the games begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • dudester

    For those who reject Stern’s pick due to his lack of music experience, three points:
    1. He’s been in the radio industry for over thirty years, not all of which were him talking.
    2. He’s been in several bands throughout his career.
    Stern knows music.
    3. What are Ellen DeGeneress’ music credentials?

  • Joey

    I WOULD DEFINITLY WATCH IF STERN WAS ON THE SHOW…..STERN RULES!!!!!!!!

  • joanne

    Put Howard on Idol and I will start to watch for sure!!!!!!!!!!

  • C-money

    I have never been an AI fan – But if Howard came on I would be forced to watch- his quick wit and honest assessments would be too hard to pass up. Ba ba booey.

  • Linda

    Ellen Degenerous is a very talented comedian and will be an asset to American Idol, Simon Cowell will be missed, the contestants need constructive critisism, Howard Stern is a complete waste of a human being, bigot, no talent pig! If he’s picked up as a judge I will never watch again!!!!!

  • Kenneth

    If Howard were to go to American Idol I’d actually watch that dumb show. I’m proud to say I’ve never watched one of their shows. I do like Simon though because of his sarcasm (I’ve seen clips from the show specifially with Cowell and some of the things he’s said). Howard would add excitement and not being afraid of offending anyone (heaven forbid) he’d make the show much, much more interesting. Bring Howard on and you’ve added another watcher.

  • forrubin

    since simon fuller, simon cowell, paula abdul, randy jackon are leaving, seacrest will probably be gone too.. time to revamp. get conan o brian to replace seacreast, maybe jamie foxx/stevie wonder/oprah? to replace randy,

  • Lynn

    If that man is the replacement for Simon Cowell. I will never watch American Idol again. Family shows are for family. If you want to listen to a filthy old man. Then listen to his radio show.

  • http://yahoo Nan

    No, No, No, I will never watch American Idol if they have that H. Stern as a Judge. He’s a dirty mouth, nasty man. Need someone who knows Talent. ALso about vocal singing. He certainly isn’t one who would know. It is a family show.

  • TC

    Simom is filhy…ever hear him on Stern.

    I would definately watch!!!

    I stopped last year, but would start again!!!!

    He knows how to talk on TV, and he knows how to get an audience.

  • Peggy

    I like Simon. Can’t stand Howard Stern. He is a filthy mouthed, disgusting, vulgur pervert. No way should he be on Idol. I love watching Idol. But if Howard is on there my Idol watching days will be over.

  • Sharon

    I will watch if he’s on. I like him.

  • KSY

    Are you nutZ? Howard Stern is an imbecile!!! He is juvenile, toilet humor shock jock who is so unfunny! How does he qualify? I guess if they want to move the show to the late night hours and have topless dancers or more screamers singers like Adam Lambert who better enjoy his 15 minutes like Clay, then go for it. Without Paula and Simon, I give Idol two more years then done.

  • http://none Kay

    Simon is frank, not an out and out jerk like H. Stern. The show has class – with stern is will become trash!

  • Troy

    HOWARD STERN RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    To all of you losers that don’t like Howard you have never listen to his show and you will end up scratching the chard walls of the damned. Howard is the ONLY thing that could make that stupid show interesting.

    HOWARD STERN RULES!!!!!!!!!!! BABA BOOEY!!!!

  • Troy

    All of the people that say they would not watch it if Howard beame a judge would be the 1st people setting their alarms and turning on their TVs.

    HOWARD STERN RULES!!

    If you think all Howard talks about is strippers you are truly clueless!

  • Aileen

    I agree with Kay, Stern will bring a very low class group of people watching the show, anyone with class will not want to hear this trash talking person..NO WAY..This was supposed to be a family show. What in the world are they thinking about. He was band off of radio stations.. Get any one but him or the show is down the tube!
    So much for a wonderful family program…and A place for these talented people to get a chance at staredome

  • Troy

    Its the only way I’d watch that gay a$$ show. And I would watch if my man Howard was on there telling them how it really is

  • http://msn ERIC

    !!!!!!! HECK YEAH!!! HOWARD IS THE KING OF ALL MEDIA!! HE DESERVES THE JOB, NO ONE KNOWS HOWARD THE WAY HIS FANS DO!!! I WILL LOVE THE SHOW!!! EVERYONE WILL BE SAYING “SIMON WHO”? HAHA BABA BOOEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Catherine

    I always thought Howard Stern appealed to the the “Potty Mouth”, “Can’t get a date so I watch Stern’s women”, “Stupid F___Ups” crowd, … I watch AMerican Idol once in awhile, putting in Howard Stern would make it so easy to never ever watch it again- Fox has has lost their mind!!!!!!!!!!!!=
    Ellen DeGeneres has some class- This would be an absurd decsision and an insult to her!

  • Troy

    Howard only has women on his show once or twice a week. Then its for about 15 mins during his 4 hour per day radio show. When he does have the strippers on the show it the worst and least funny part of his show.

    Howard gets a bad rap from the Telivised part of his show that was on “E”. all they ever showed were the girls because it was all about the visuals. Howard’s show is so much more than that crap.

    Howard is a very smart, honest, and funny man. He would be the best thing for any show. It too bad that so many people are simple and closed minded.

  • http://www.beat-thestreet.com Supercan

    I think Howard will get the initial Numbers for sure, it will be a huge debut! Can he keep them?? I think so.. Yes Howard Stern is THEE best choice, whoever thought of this should have their pay doubled.

  • http://besthealth.mandurarep.com Ed

    If Howard Stern replaces Simon Cowell, I will not
    watch American Idol. Someone with better character
    should be the replacement. Howard Stern has a filthy
    mouth.

  • http://yahoo HOWARD STERN

    EVERYONE JUST REMEMBERS THE T.V. SHOW,GIRLS, FILTHY MOUTH,ETC……THEY OBVIOUSLY DONT KNOW HOWARD STERN!!! RETARDS…..IF YOU LOVE FAMILY GUY,AMERICAN DAD,THE SIMPSONS,COMEDY CENTRAL…GUESS WHO HAD SUCH AN IMPACT TO THOSE T.V. SHOWS!! HOWARD STERN!!! HE’S SUCH A BRILLIANT M!@#$FU@#$!!!! SO MANY T.V. SHOWS ARE INSPIRED BY THIS GUINNESS!!!!!LOVE YOU, FAFA FO HI….

  • http://showbizspy adrienne

    A Clive Davis type would be more appropriate.

  • Della Miranda

    Not no but hell NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO i think H stern as a potty mouth and shouldn’t even be on the radio. If this should happen American idol will lose alot of viewers including my self

  • http://dancersunitecharlotte.blogspot.com/ charlotte

    I hope not! I would not watch.

  • Paula

    NEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

  • Jane

    Not a chance that the 23 of us that watch it together every week will do it any more if Stern is on. First of all, now we will have two judges with no musical background and secondly, need I say more – STERN. We range from age 2 1/2 to 88. We’re out of here if this happens.

  • FART MAN!

    You idots know NOTHING ABOUT HOWARD STERN! He is the greatest living entertainer. THose who hate him HAVE NO IDEA what they are talking about because they do NOT listen to him. Howard would totally save that show! Without howard and with Simon gone its bye bye Idol- which would be good too. Stern RULES!!! BABA BOOEY!!!!!!

  • FART BOY!

    HOWARD STERN IS BRILLIANT! SCREW YOU IDOITS!!!

    LONG LIVE THE KING OF ALL MEDIA!!!

  • http://none Howard Stern

    Fart Boy needs to go to a comedy appreciation summer camp. Dumb ass Stern is an idiot with no discerning talent what so ever. He doesn’t have a spec of wit, and all he’s known for is to have women naked on his show. Robin is equally afflicted with mild retardation, she has no clue as to what’s going on in the world.