Cowell Confronts Idol Rumours
By WENNSaturday, February 20, 2010
SIMON COWELL has spoken out about the swirling rumours over who will replace him on AMERICAN IDOL, insisting shock jock HOWARD STERN isn’t qualified to take over but LADY GAGA would be a good choice.
The music mogul recently announced he will quit the hit TV show next year (11) to concentrate on launching his British talent show The X Factor in the U.S.
Rumours over who will take his place on the judging panel have been rife ever since news of his departure broke, with stars including Sir Elton John, Jamie Foxx and even Madonna linked to the job.
Controversial radio host Howard Stern recently revealed he has been in talks with producers about the role, but Cowell insists the DJ does not have enough experience of the music industry to make a valid contribution to the show.
He says, “I know Howard’s name has been in there for a while, but I’m fairly certain that there hasn’t been an approach at any time for Howard to do this show. I think, over the years, judges have been replaced by personalities. That, in the long term, will create problems because you have to be able to spot a star. My advice would be find somebody who actually knows what they’re talking about and has actually experienced success in the music business.… (Stern) doesn’t seem to have any of this criteria.”
Cowell also brushed off rumours Madonna could join the show, insisting the pop superstar wouldn’t be able to agree to the “time commitment”, and ruled out former Oasis rocker Noel Gallagher because the American public couldn’t “understand” his strong northern England accent.
But the Brit has put forward pop star Lady Gaga as a celebrity mentor and blogger Perez Hilton as his top picks for American Idol.
He adds, “I think we should have Lady Gaga. She is the most relevant pop artist in the world at the moment… and I’ve met her and she’s very smart. I like her. Perez would be funny. He’s got a good taste in music. He’s a personality. I mean that could work.”
