Howard Stern to Replace Simon on American Idol?

The latest rumour about an "American Idol" replacement for the departing Simon Cowell is the one and only Howard Stern. Baba Booey!

According to The New York Post's "Page Six" gossip column, an anoynmous "insider" says Stern is the "top choice" of Idol producers to take over for Simon when he bolts the show at the end of the season to focus on the U.S. version of "X-Factor."

Stern is in the final year of his five-year, US$500-million contract with Sirius satellite radio, and has continually said on his radio show that he's not certain whether he'll be renewing his contract, which expires next January (just in time for the beginning of "Idol").

In the "Page Six" article, a "source connected with Idol" is quoted as saying, "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."

Of course, there's also another source quoted, who says, "Despite what he's been saying on-air, Howard isn't ready to leave radio and would like to stay on at Sirius. 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."

Here's the cryptic comment Stern made on his show recently: "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."

When asked the name of the show, he quipped, "CSI: Paramus."

Personally, I think this would be a stroke of genius. Stern is a big "AI" fan, he's quick on his feet, and would be able to give a genuine critique that would be as brutal as it is hilarious. And, frankly, it would give me a reason to watch next year. Next January will be the ninth season. I'm bored already. If the judges are Kara, Randy, Ellen DeGeneres (who I'm predicting will be awful) and some music-industry big-wig like Tommy Mottola, then guess what? I doubt I'll be watching.

But Howard Stern? He's unpredictable, he's dangerous, and people already love to hate him. How could I not tune in? And just imagine the auditions: "That was great honey — now take off your top!"