14 DAY TRIAL // Despite rumors that rocker Bret Michaels had been approached and accepted an offer to replace Simon Cowell on the next season of American Idol, things are far from settled with the Brit’s departure. In fact, right now, as production on the 10th season is about to start, it’s becoming increasingly urgent to find someone to occupy his spot as judge on the popular show. That someone could be singer Chris Isaak, The Hollywood Reporter says.
Producers are, as expected, keeping a very close lid on the entire situation but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude that coming up with a judge to fill in Cowell’s shoes is a priority right now, says the aforementioned source. Since last season also saw the addition of Ellen DeGeneres, after Paula Abdul quit, it’s important that Simon’s replacement be someone that really catches on with audiences. Producers seem to believe that person could be legendary crooner Isaak, who has both knowledge about music and experience on television.
“The search to replace Simon Cowell is intensifying as preliminary auditions get under way for the 10th season of Fox’s American Idol. The network is determined to land a widely known music industry figure for the post, and THR has learned that singer Chris Isaak has met twice with the network. Also, at least one desirable candidate has set off a tug-of-war between Idol executive producer Simon Fuller and Cowell – whose upcoming Fox singing competition The X Factor is similarly seeking judges,” THR writes.
“While Fox insists no decision is imminent, the clock is ticking to replace the snarky Brit. Peter Rice, the network’s new entertainment chairman, has said he expects the new ‘Idol’ judge to join the audition roadshow by early September. Though filling Cowell’s chair is the network’s top priority, it could be just one of several significant changes. Though Idol remains the highest-rated series on TV, its numbers have declined in recent years. Some believe the recent decision to lower the show’s age audition requirement (from 16 to 15) could be the beginning of an Idol revamp,” the same e-zine further points out.
However, THR goes on to say, meeting with producers and network bosses twice is by no means an indication that the job is Isaak’s if he wants it. Ever since Simon announced that the ninth season would also be his last on American Idol, countless celebrities have been courted, including Sir Elton John, Victoria Beckham and even Paula Abdul, if one is to believe reports.
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