Howard Stern Is 'American Idol' Replacement Pick For Simon Cowell

Howard Stern on American Idol? Stay with LimeLife for updates. INFDaily.com.

FOX thinks Howard Stern is only star nastier than Simon.

Yyyeah, we're pretty sure that this beats out last week's rumors that Sony honcho Tommy Mottola was prepped to take Simon Cowell's seat on American Idol. Insiders have reported that FOX is seriously eyeing Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell on American Idol when Simon leaves next season. Stern's dropping hints too...

What will Ellen think?!

Howard Stern has been dropping hints on his Sirius radio show that indeed he's in talks with FOX to take Simon Cowell's place on American Idol. Recently on his show Stern said that he'd "approached by a major TV network to take over a TV show" and that he was involved in discussions to "leave here and do that next year."

FOX insiders say that Stern is a favorite for the seat because they need someone controversial to come in for Simon. One source says, "Idol bosses think [Stern would] 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." The source continued: "Idol will do what it takes to sign him."

Which would be a lot in order to compete with Stern's $100 million salary at Sirius. Apparently Stern hasn't decided either way, however, because he's said he doesn't even know if he wants to work next year.