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'American Idol': Elton John not Simon Cowell's replacement
"American Idol" won't be replacing Simon Cowell with another Brit, or at least, not one in particular.Elton John has refused to take the judge's seat that Cowell is vacating at the end of the current ninth season of FOX's hit reality competition show, reports Access Hollywood.
Sir Elton would have made $33 million if he had decided to sign on for Season 10 and possibly beyond.
The musician has had plenty of "Idol" experience, having mentored in Season 3 and performing on "Idol Gives Back."
And even though speculation will continue to run rampant about Cowell's replacement, he or she will likely not be named until after the May 26 finale, so says EW. We hope this is the case since the finale should be about lots of performances to ridiculously draw out the suspense and then ultimately, the winner's time to shine.
Besides, "Idol" could totally keep the spirit alive all summer if fans are kept guessing about the replacement.
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I love when the spirit of Idol is kept alive all summer, but not under these circumstance. As far as I'm concerned, without Simon, Idol is cancelled. Fox will air a talent contest from January-May each year, but it will not be Idol, not with its most vital component missing. And ONLY Access Hollywood is reporting this story about Elton John, but they will not name a source. If there's any truth to it, Elton would have been a LAME choice. ANYONE will be a lame choice. No Simon = No Idol. They can put a new tush in his seat, but they'll NEVER find a suitable replacement.
It doesn't matter anyway. The show has nothing to do with talent - case in point Casey James (easy on the eyes, hard on the ears). This show is nothing but a popularity contest. Simon has been too nice all season, totally out of charactor for him. Better to take if off the air than to continue the way it is.
I thought Elton would have been good. I would love to Justin Timberlake as a replacement. He is talented, knows music, funny and enjoyable to watch! Lets get that campaign started!!
The latest piece of stunt-casting a judge, Ellen Degeneres, was a fairly bad call. People generally like her, she likely boosted ratings temporarily when she came in, but now AI has someone with no idea if a song is good or bad with 4 years more remaining on her contract.
Simon Cowell was an unknown when he started. Surely there are several hundred unknowns in music and voice coaching that can be located, come in, and see if they can be entertaining and deliver honest critiques. Also someone that could devote time to the show and understanding the talent range, style, ages of contestants they judge.
Instead they thought - famous pissy Englishman!