Highest paid radio jockey may become American Idol judge

Los Angeles, Feb 8 (IANS) Who will replace the sarcastic Brit Simon Cowell as a judge on "American Idol" from next year? There are rumours that the high-profile slot may go to Howard Stern - America's highest paid radio jockey.

Fifty-six-year-old Stern, called America's "shock jock", currently hosts the "uncensored' Sirius XM Radio show.

Cowell, who became famous or notorious for his nasty put-downs on the show and was paid $50 million a year, is moving to start the US version of The X Factor - the hit British talent show - next year.

Rated seventh on Forbes' "World's Most Powerful Celebrity" list, Stern is on a $100-million-a-year contract with the radio station.

His contract expires in January next year - well before the "American Idol" season.

The "shock jock", who is also author of two bestsellers titled "Private Parts" and "Miss America" - says he has already been approached to host a TV show from next year.

But he is reportedly unwilling to travel across the US - as the job at the "American Idol" entails.

Were the country's most celebrated radio jockey were to come on board the most celebrated show, he would make a deadly team with the lesbian co-host Ellen DeGeneres who replaced Paula Abdul this year, sources in the US entertainment industry say.

But in a survey by TVGuide.com, 37 percent people wanted "X Factor" and "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan to replace Simon Cowell.

Another 15 percent favoured "Sing-Off" judge Ben Folds to replace Cowell.