The Hollywood Reporter reports that the search to replace Simon Cowell on American Idol is heating up. According to the industry mag, FOX is “determined to land a widely known music industry figure for the post.”
Chris Isaak, who has a long music career and a slew of acting credits under his belt has met twice with the network. Also being considered is the widely popular Idol mentor, Harry Connick Jr.
One unnamed candidate reportedly set off a tug of war between Idol producer Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell, who is bringing his UK show, the X Factor to the US in the fall of 2011.
Rocker Bret Michaels, who has been lobbying for the job heavily in the press, was “given the once over” by producers and is now “out of the running.” Even Donald Trump has contacted Idol for the job (Ugh!).
Any tensions between Fuller and Cowell will only intensify as both X Factor and Idol prepare to hit the airwaves next year. Some say the fiercely competitive Cowell would be happy to see Idol take a tumble without him…
Idol producers expect to fill Simon’s seat by the time the judges’ round of auditions begin in early fall.
Out of the named possibilities, my vote goes to Harry Connick Jr. He was great TV when he mentored this year and knows what he’s talking about. He seems like a straight shooter too. I don’t think the person who replaces Simon needs to be “mean”, but they certainly need to be honest (I’m looking at you Ellen DeGeneres).
What do you think, peeps?
Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
