American Idol without Cowell? Like Newsnight without Paxman. Replacing “Mr Nasty” without losing ratings will be a tall order for the show’s creator, Simon Fuller.
Ratings on the Fox series are already 2 per cent lower than last year, which was 10 per cent lower than 2008. If Cowell’s replacement stumbles, the most- watched TV show in America could be in serious trouble.
Piers Morgan, the Britain’s Got Talent judge, is the favourite to take over, Bookmaker.com says. But Mr Fuller has bigger ambitions.
“We’ve got a budget of $40 million (£25 million) to spend on a new judge,” a source close to the show said. “That means it’s unlikely to be the Piers Morgans. It’s the Elton Johns and the Madonnas.”
Sir Elton, who has been a guest judge on Idol, fits Cowell’s own description of a suitable replacement: “Somebody who knows what they’re talking about.” Ultimately, the public may decide. Voters may select a shortlist, from which executives choose a judge.
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At three days a week for six months, the show is easier money than performing in Las Vegas. Bookmaker.com has the rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs at 3-1, producer Quincy Jones at 7-2 and Simon Fuller himself at 6-1.