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With the premiere of the 10th season of American Idol looming large (auditions are already underway), the search for Simon Cowell's replacement is getting down to the wire. According to The Hollywood Reporter, crooners Chris Isaak and Harry Connick, Jr. are now frontrunners to be Fox's new AI judge.
Reportedly, actor/singer Isaak, 54, best known for his 1989 hit single "Wicked Game," has met with the network twice about possibly filling Cowell's shoes. Meanwhile, Connick, 42, who appeared as a guest mentor last season, has also been considered.
Rocker Bret Michaels recently expressed his desire to be the next Simon, telling Joy Behar on her primetime show, "I would love to do it, I would really bring it to the table." But inside sources now say Michaels, 47, isn't a front-runner.
Michaels isn't the only one to lobby for the job: Apprentice host Donald Trump has expressed interest in being part of the AI juggernaut. And for months, shock jock Howard Stern has been rumored to be a contender for the job, too. We're wondering, even though she's moved on in her career, why can't Paula Abdul drop by each week and fill Simon's seat?
Who would be a better replacement for Simon -- Chris Isaak or Harry Connick Jr.? Chime in below!
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