IDOL 411: Howard Stern to replace Simon? This week in “Idol” universe News
Hollywood Week starts next Tuesday! *squeal* But until then, we’ve got the usual shenanigans of our Idols and their ever-expanding universe to keep us entertained.
Howard Stern to Replace Simon?
“Idol” produces want to bring in shock jock Howard Stern to fill the empty seat at the judges table when Simon Cowell leaves at the end of this season, according to a Friday report in the New York Post. …
Stern undoubtedly would provide a nasty foil to Ellen DeGeneres’ niceness, and his $100-million-dollar-a-year contract with Sirius XM is up next year. But even fans who adore Simon’s sharp tongue might find the controversial radio host too brash for prime time.
Would you watch Howard Stern on “American Idol”? Poll
Kelly Clarkson Hits Back After “Idol” Slam
This week Kelly Clarkson shot off an angry response to Taylor Swift’s label boss, who’d defended Swift’s widely criticized Grammy performance with a swipe at “Idol”: “This is not ‘American Idol.’ This is not a competition of getting up and seeing who can sing the highest note.”
But Season One winner Clarkson took offense at that characterization about the show that made her a star. She let loose on Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta in a post on her Website: “Thank you for that ‘Captain Obvious’ sense of humor because you know what, we not only hit the high notes, you forgot to mention we generally hit the ‘right’ notes as well.”
And “Dance Fever”! I Invented That, Too!
Apparently the Dawg is being sued by some clown who claims Randy stole the idea for his MTV reality-dance-competition “America’s Best Dance Crew.” And the guy wants $2 million for “damages.” We’ve seen the show, and frankly we’d like some sort of compensation as well.
Oh, Please, Please Make Ryan Say, “Sir Simon”
There’s a rumor that Simon is being considered for knighthood for his charity work, which sounds really impressive until you read the part where the idea is primarily championed via various Facebook groups. If Facebook couldn’t save Conan we’re not holding out much hope on this one.
This Is Not What the Tea Party Had in Mind, Scott
Not content merely to embarrass his daughters on the night of his election, newly minted senator and former naked model Scott Brown is now pleading via Barbara Walters for “American Idol” to give his daughter Ayla, a losing 2006 contestant that Simon dismissed as “robotic” and “empty,” another chance. So well done with that, Massachusetts!
Totally Not a Publicity Ploy, Honest!
Nine hundred news articles last week reported that America’s sweetheart Ellen is, like, royally p’d off at Simon! Simon arrived late for a taping during the Hollywood Week episodes, which begin airing next week, and kept Ellen waiting for 90 minutes. Sources say he was defensive when confronted on it, then the two of them remembered they each make about a billion dollars a year, and, oh, they shared a hearty laugh, they did.
Everyone Pretended Not to Notice Kris Allen Parking Cars
Glambert turned 28 Earth years old last week and celebrated with Lindsay Lohan at the Mondrian. 2006 would like its cool back please.
Duuude, Why Am I in Michigan?
Dreaded “Idol” finalist Jason Castro was in Michigan last week and decided to put on a concert during an Ann Arbor high school’s lunch hour. No one asked him to - he just heard it was pizza day in the cafeteria and came running.
-Christine Lusey, Amos Content Group