Report: Idol Wants Stern to Replace Simon Cowell

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

A report in the New York Post's Page Six says "American Idol" producers would like to hire Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell. An insider told the newspaper that Stern is their "top choice" to take over from Cowell, who is leaving at the end of this season. Stern's Sirius XM deal is worth $100 million per year and expires at the end of 2010. Cowell was paid $50 million a year.

"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," said the source. Yet a second source told the Post that Stern hasn't made the "Idol" talks easy, and has been giving out mixed messages.

"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."

Stern recently said, "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."