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UPDATES TV TUG OF WAR: It's Ellen vs Simon
Whether Howard Stern will or won't join American Idol as the judge replacing Simon Cowell, is one of the hot debates on the Internet right now. And, of course, Howard is fanning the flames of the controversy by insulting everyone connected to the "karaoke show", especially Simon, Ellen, and Ryan Seacrest. I've just learned Howard Stern is indeed "being considered" as a judge but my sources tell me that "Ellen is not in favor" of his joining the panel.
Ellen DeGeneres tonight makes her American Idol show debut. And when you watch, remember that I recently reported that, on her first day taping the Hollywood segment, Simon Cowell showed up an hour and a half late for the taping. And Ellen stewed while she waited for him. She had reason: to accommodate both her talk show hosting duties and her American Idol judging duties, she had moved up her schedule so that now she shot the talk show earlier in the day and then jumped in the car to go to Idol. She was on time, and Cowell was not. "Here it was the first day of taping of the Hollywood shows, and Ellen was there waiting for Simon to show up. Ellen's new to the gig and she's very organized and she made a commitment to take this on, and now she's asking herself, 'What did I get myself into?' She called Simon Cowell a prima donna. So right from the start, the chemistry isn't great," an insider tells us.
It'll be interesting to see tonight whether the tension between Ellen and Simon is visible. (Or even edited out...) But as I reported previously, Ellen after the taping contacted the pal who brought her to the primetime hit show, Fox alternative programming chief Mike Darnell, and made a request: she asked him to "hurry up and pick" Simon's successor. Now she doesn't want Howard Stern as a judge.
Meanwhile, here's an exclusive interview Ellen DeGeneres did with Extra's Mario Lopez where she dished about the judges' chemistry:
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Hmmmmm….
I just can’t shake the feeling that Howard Stern took one of many internet BS rumors, and decide to run with it for cheap publicity, and is laughing his ass off over it.
Anyway, I think the simple fact that Simon is leaving is a pretty good sign that the American Idol ship has sailed.
Hilarious.
Stern would be great but push come to shove, I don’t think he would actually do Idol.
But this is exactly what he wants. He HATES Ellen and she’s playing right into his hands by insisting he doesn’t get the judge.
And let’s be honest here — love or hate Stern, he would be a much bigger draw than Ellen. What does she bring to the table? Anyone can be nice and crack bad jokes. She’ll be a bore.
Ellen and Stern on the same stage? I would watch that without music. But she doesn’t want to work with a guy who’s been slamming her every move mercilously for over a decade? I’m shocked.
I am not a fan of AI BUT just the thought of someone believing putting that schmuck on camera would be a great idea for the demo has got to have a screw loose.
you definitely have never listened to an entire 4+hour howard stern show
otherwise your schmuck comment would have never been made
you SCHMUCK!
hahahahahaha!
I know I shouldn’t even waste my time but what exactly would the leering Stern bring to AI to counter the loss of it’s massive young demo? Last time I checked it is a family friendly show not a “show me your ass and tits circus”.
The ratings would drop with a thud if they got Stern.
really?…have you ever listened to Howard?
I,loyal fan, would not watch if Stern is hired!!
You all who say stern isnt good for AI are a buncha retarded moronic retards..let me ask you point blank who in this whole country is as straightfoward, controversial, & has a sense of humor that can match SIMON?? You do realize that if simon leaves, and if AI doesnt find a replacement that can at least match Simon’s wit and callous remarks, the show is gonna tank. The show is gonna b boring , its gonna have a buncha these weak ass spineless judges like ellen who tells everyone that theyre good singers, wen YOU people all laugh, all enjoy the ribbing that awful singers get from SIMON. So who else in this country besides HOWARD can do that? I cant think of a single person besides HOWARD that can bring that kind of callousness, wit, and honesty that SIMON brought, and w/o that the show is gonna FAIL.
Loosen up Ellen…Ellen, the most nonsexual lesbian in media, needs to get loose, with the aid of expert goofball, always pro-gay Howard Stern.
I have so much contempt for American Idol, but the addition of Howard Stern would make me watch.
What does Stern know about singing/music that qualifies him as a judge? Course, what does Ellen know about singing/music that qualifies him…I mean…her as a judge?
The show is on its last legs now and barring something extreme, has a season or two left I’d guess. NOT a Howard fan but if I’m Fox I’d gamble on Howard. Howard’s extreme. Ellen’s extreme-ly dull (for this position).
I think Howard’s way more qualified than Ellen- because at least he used to sing and play keyboards in a garage band when he was growing up.
I think Ellen’s own experience is that maybe she sings in the shower.
~
Coat
“I think Howard’s way more qualified than Ellen- because at least he used to sing and play keyboards in a garage band when he was growing up.”
didn’t we all?
Howard Stern has been a DJ for 3 decades…
Indrid,
No matter what you may think of Howard’s comedy, he has a proven track record of knowing great music when he hears it and supporting up and coming acts. His interest in sound started when he was a child (his father was the co-owner of a voice recording studio), and by sixth grade, he had his own band: The Electric Comic Book! At that time, he also wrote at least 2 of the band’s songs — one of which, PSYCHEDELIC BEE, was covered by SUGAR RAY in 2005.
To this day, one of my favorite “live” recordings is Dave Grohl on Howard Stern’s show back in the early 1990’s. It was the first time Dave had ever tried playing an acoustic version of EVERLONG, and like Howard, I had a visceral reaction to the recording. It was amazing, and Howard knew it! [You can check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEWjOJTVGvQ
Correction/Addition: It was in the late (rather than early) 1990’s that Dave played the song EVERLONG on Howard’s show, and it was Howard’s executive producer, Gary “Baba Booey” Dell’Abate, who suggested that Dave play it–despite the fact that Dave was just set up to play acoustic on the show, and EVERLONG had always been played loud and electric. Enjoy!
Your “him…I mean…her” comment categorizes you as an a**hole. Can’t you express an opinion about the show, and the hosts, without insulting and demeaning an entire segment of society? Or even if it’s just her you object to, trash her jokes, not her place on the sexual spectrum. Grow up.
Your homophobia is showing.
people joke about ryan seacrest all the time, but when it’s ellen, well… sacred cow?
True Dave but with one HUGE difference: Ryan is (for now) straight and Ellen is gay. A joke, funny or not, about a straight person is consider comedy (or an attempt at it). A joke, funny or not, about a gay person is a “demeaning of an entire society” made by an “a**hole” whose “homophobia is showing”.
Now, I know this sounds a little far-fetched but these quotes were taken from the two geniuses above whose panties (or briefs) are clearly in a twist.
Truly pathetic how sensitive people have come to any little thing. I thought we were getting past our PC BS? I happen to WATCH “Ellen” periodically you dunces! Chick’s funny (sometimes) but she’s also a DUDE and “sexuality” has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!
If Howard Stern becomes a judge on American Idol, I will stop watching American Idol completely and I tell my friends to stop watching American Idol and why.
Thanks for the opportunity to exercise my rights.
she.is.cool/ellen.I.watch.her.show.is.too.hot.
“The show is on its last legs now and barring something extreme, has a season or two left I’d guess.”
…. Seriously?! Indrid—Is this you or the other 25 million Americans who watch it on Tuesday or Wednesday nights? You may hate this shit, but my guts tells me they’ve got plenty more leg left in them for future seasons, regardless of a judge swap.
It’s just another publicity stunt Howard Stern and agent Don Buchwald obviously launched–remembering when Howard did the half-hearted Libertarian run for NY governor in the 90s.
Can’t stand neither Ellen or Stern and Kara is the worst of them all and I simply feel this show is on its last legs and it’s time to pull the plug on this crapfest and clean house and start with a better and fresher concept and judges who aren’t so full of themselves.
AI NEEDS Howard Stern!!! The show has already gotten SO bad, and now with Simon gone next season you can guarantee it’ll be done for good unless they do something like hire Stern.
I’m a 21 year old guy, and I think American Idol is lame as hell. I watched the first season because I thought Kelly Clarkson was hot, and because Simon was an asshole.
But you know what? If they got Howard, I would totally start watching again. And I bet a lot more of his target audience would start watching too. Howard is way more bad-ass then Cowell. He’s meaner, more entertaining, and he’d attract a new demographic to the show, which could mean higher ratings.
Howard said he’d do it for 100M. He knows he’s worth it because AI sucks, and he’s the biggest bully on the play ground. Plus he has plenty of judging experience from all the hot aspiring play boy models he’s critiqued.
Ellen Ellen Ellen,
Amazing that after 15+ years that I worked on These Friends of Mine with you, that you still are an ungrateful, miserable wench of a person. Amazing. The way you treated people back then, including your faithful manager, Arthur Imparato, was appalling; I’m glad to see you are still the angry Ellen that you were back then. Remember when you got Maggie Wheeler ( Janice, on Friends) fired because you thought she was stealing your thunder? What a mess.
Fame changes people, for you, I guess it made you worse.
Enjoy your riches.
So sad.
Ellen is fanning Howard’s flames by letting it be known she has no sense of humor. I think Howard Stern would be awesome, and I know HE, unlike Simon, would be on time. He is a respectful guy, those who are fans know this. I would miss him on Sirius, but it would make me watch Idol…
The fact that Ellen doesn’t want Stern to join the panel makes me want Howard MORE. I say, GO FOR IT HOWARD!! Kick Ellen’s fucking ass!
Stern has a lot of musical experience. He started as a DJ and was a program director for several radio stations. He picked the music the stations would play.
In Detroit he had an American Idol radio show where three record company executives were brought in and judged various singers.
And lastly he has a strong opinion.
What qualifications did Randy Jackson have to be on AI? He was 2nd bass player for Journey – not even the lead…
Howard Stern ain’t gonna do nothing but shoot of his big ass mouth, play with his brainless trophy wife and pretend like he’s not an old fossil who’s time has passed.
Howard would bring nothing to the table for this show. They just want someone who would bring headlines. At least Simon was constructive with his criticism (that is, once you got to the top 13).
Not a fan of the show, but I am a fan of a little controversy, so why not add Howard Stern to the mix? Hell, I’d probably tune in just to see him push everyone’s buttons! It just may be the best possible idea for all the others who don’t watch.
This would certainly gain more viewers.. I would even stay up to watch..so would my wife.
Personally, the idea of Howard Stern on AI is the only reason I’d ever go back to watching that show.
Anyone think this is an expensive way for Murdoch to get Howard Stern out of his hair?
FOX pays Stern $$$, agree to as many of his demands as they can, then pull the plug on IDOL after two more seasons and go with X FACTOR in the spring.
A vocal opponent is gone who criticized their programming and personalities, not to mention their newspapers.
In some sense, I can see Murdoch and company spending $100M over two years to marginalize Stern.
you dont need to know about music to be a judge these days. You just gotta have a personality, and Howard stern has alot of that. and who cares what Ellen is ‘in favor’ or ‘not in favor’ of. she hasnt even appeared in one single episode yet. who knows, she may suck hard.
Howard is a DJ, and he served as a music program director for years. He’s definitely more qualified than Ellen, and let’s be honest, Paula Abdul had a music background, but she’s crazy and really came off like she knew nothing most of the time. I think Stern would definitely add fuel to the dying idol if he is chosen.
I’m sorry, I didn’t realize the show was now “American Idol, starring Ellen Degeneres.” At what point did Ellen become the star of the show with the right to dictate who they can and cannot hire? If she doesn’t like the changes the producers are going to make, then she does not have to return. I don’t like the idea of Howard Stern either, but this isn’t HER show (where she is an absolute pain to work for) and taking this approach will not win her any fans behind the scenes or otherwise.
Howard is allowing his name to be floated here to use as negotiating leverage for his Sirius Radio contract which is currently up for renewal. Howard hates flying. He would never work on a show in LA.
I would watch American Idol, if Howard Stern were a judge.
Howard has been in the radio industry since the 70’s i believe. He was a DJ way before he became the king of radio. I think he would be a great addition to the show and AI needs someone like him with simon leaving.
Ellen on the other hand needs to quit right now because she knows NOTHING about singing/dancing. Unless you consider the dancing on her show something. Which i sure as heck don’t.
Howard probably knows more than that idiot Ellen. He has musical guests on his show all the time and is very in tune with music. In fact Howard had a mini Idol-like audition in the studio with Paula, Randy and Simon on his show a few years back. Howard cleverly snuck in a well known lead singer of a band and these freaking morons told him that he wasn’t good. HOWARD ON IDOL WOULD BE GENIUS! COME ON DARNELL. PULL THE TRIGGER!
Howard would make the ratings SOAR. He says what people think.
Forget the talent performances, I want to see Ellen kick the living crap out of Stern on live television. And you know she can.
Are you kidding me? Ellen is shitting bricks at the possibility of having to hold up in the presence of Howard’s take-no-prisoners comic sensibility. Her horrible dancing rituals and mawkish self-hating lesbian b.s. routine would wither in seconds…
If Howard Stern becomes a judge on American Idol, I will stop watching American Idol completely and I will tell my friends to stop watching American Idol and will tell them why they should stop watching the show.Valerie
Thanks for the opportunity to exercise my rights.
And you would get to exercise your authority over your friends, woohoo!
I no longer care…Paula is gone, I’ll not watch it again!
Putting on Howard Stern would be crazy on a family friendly show. I think it’d be a turn off to most viewers….wrong show, wrong hour. Simon can justify his harshness because he has the expertise to make it justifiable. It is in the name of “good”. Stern’s rudeness would be for the sake of rudeness and simply would lead to damaging the franchise and the ratings.
He used to call her Ellen DeWrongGenitals on his show, so I can see why she wouldn’t want to host with him. However, the try-out shows would probably be even funnier with Stern than Simon.
I have watched American Idol for 9 seasons now. I have no problem with Simon leaving, but if Howard Stern became a judge (which I STRONGLY believe will not happen) I would immediately quit watching. But no worries – there’s NO WAY that would happen. He shows contempt for the “karaoke show”, so why would they hire him. Plus, the biggest demographic of this show is teens and tweens, and parents will NOT want them watching Howard Stern.
Probably the ONLY thing that might keep American Idol from experiencing the inevitable (and given the presence of Ellen DeGeneres, virtually guaranteed) ratings dive would be bringing Howard Stern on board. Ellen’s nasty behavior off-camera (and her ultra-odd schtick on-camera) spells total disaster for the people who not only put Idol together but for those of us who used to want to watch and follow Idol throughout the season. She is, as all will soon come to learn, Idol’s poison pill. How very sad.
ellen degeneres is a big sad joke. she gets support of the gay media moguls, otherwise she would be washing dishes.
Howard would be a perfect replacement for Simon on American Idol. He knows how to evaluate entertainment and talent and has been doing it for longer than any of the other judges. He is also very intelligent and able to self-censor himself if necessary. Great idea!
To the comment written on February 9, 2010 @ 3:05 P.M., Is that you Imus? Anyway, put Howard Stern on and they will soon forget about Simon Cowell. The ratings will shoot through the roof. I only wish that Hank the angry dwarf was still trolling around.
I’ve never watched an episode of AI in my life but if Stern is a judge it’ll be Must See TV.
I doubt it will ever happen though…
How ’bout alternating the spot to different people, even prior winners to host, who would know better what to look for?
I vote for Gene Simmons! Loved him on The Apprentice!
No. Just…no.
Hello people, there is more to Ellen than her sexuality. Also, I didn’t hear her say anything about Howard Stern, so I dont’ know why you guys think she hates him so much. (but if what rob s said is true, then she definitely has a right not to like him, and that doesn’t sound like pro-gay to me, that sounds like homophobia.)
The idea of Stern as an “Idol” judge is as preposterous as it is moronic, mainly because it flies in the face of the most critical aspect of the show.
The obvious problem with Stern isn’t that he’s completely unqualified, but that he completely contradicts and undermines the “family friendly” nature of the show, which has to appeal to (and not offend) all generations across middle America.
Adding (nicer/saner/funnier-than-Paula) Ellen is about as edgy as FOX will ever dare get with “Idol” (and they only dared do that post-Clay Aiken, post-Adam Lambert coming out). They won’t let Stern within a million miles of that show, and there’s certainly no way they could even begin to justify paying him $100 million. That’s sheer madness.
This is just tabloid gossip that Stern is having too much fun fanning. Laugh while you can, monkey boy!
P.S.: Look for FOX to tie in Conan (and maybe even Max Weinberg) to “Idol” as part of his talk show deal and big promotional launch next January. You heard it here first.
I am a straight man and I love Ellen. I always have. Her persona is just quirky enough to be funny without being annoying. I don’t get the bashing people give her. As for being an Idol judge I think it’s great! I’ve been a Stern fan since the “I see OJ” days so I’d love to see him on the show but I don’t think it would be good for Fox or AI.
Yep, the show has officially jumped the shark.
I’m sorry, but I must have missed the music industry achievements of Ellen and Howard. If either of them had even BEEN in the music field, then as a contestant I might respect whatever review/critique/advice they may have to offer. But as it is, anyone judging who hasn’t even had a singing career is ridiculous. I mean, come on, producers! Surely there’s someone who can SING that is willing to be a judge. If Ellen and Howard are qualified, then kick out Randy and let’s make it a clean sweep with one more judge with as much personality and singing chops…say, someone as talented in music as Al Gore.
Melissa you clearly have never listened to Howard otherwise you would know that he is one of the most openly pro-gay people out there and has been for several years. What Howard does is pick on everyone. An equal opportunity offender.
I would definitely tune if if Howard showed up even as a guest host.
Stern hasn’t been relevant for years. He looks old, thinks old, is old. He puts no effort into his radio show at all anymore, and spends most of his time complaining that he has to work. I’m no Ellen fan, but she’s right – he’s a bad choice who is a decade (or more, really) past his prime.
If not Howard Stern then how about Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson.
Well, when you deal with the caliber of person on AMERICAN IDOL,…
Before he did talk radio, Howard Stern was actually employed as a dj at radio stations in Westchester, NY; Detroit, MI; and Washington, DC.
He knows a great deal about rock music. Some well known band actually did a cover of a song he wrote as a teenager – something to do with bees, I think.
Before he did talk radio, Howard Stern was actually employed as a dj at radio stations in Westchester, NY; Detroit, MI; and Washington, DC.
He knows a great deal about rock music. Some well known band actually did a cover of a song he wrote as a teenager – something to do with bees, I think.
Howard Stern would have to tone down his language alot to adapt to this family friendly show. I don’t see that happening.
This is all a negotiating strategy for Stern. He uses leverage to get top dollar contracts. And it’s worked every time. Whether you like him or not, he’s a brilliant businessman.
Sad but predictable to witness this ever-increasing and insatiable need in the cult of Amerikanna for celebrities. Thats all that entertainment has become now as the culture has devolved to a point where virtually all ‘talent’ is now based in exposure,familiarity on t.v. and the salacious factor. It bores me to tears. I have never watched nor would I ever watch American Idol. It is hogwash which fills the trough for the Sheeple each week. If they wish to obsess about it that is all well and only too predictable.
Some of the most boring,tedius,self-centered and untalented people I have known are celebrities. People get a friggin life!
Since the music is always is horrible on that awful show, I’ve always hoped they can judge them on their knife fighting skills.
Howard is butt ugly. On radio he’s bad enough, but to have to look at him is too painful. He’s also an asshole, but not in a ‘Simon’ way, just in a ‘Jackass’ adolescent way.
‘Idol’ is fixed anyway, so it really doesn’t matter who judges.
Howard Stern is a very successful radio shock jock, but not a success on TV. Let’s face it, he has a face for radio. And mass TV audiences don’t like someone that unappealing – ugly, mean, and vulgar. (And that’s coming from a Howard supporter – I like Howard’s radio show, I just didn’t like his TV show, and the numbers prove that, most other people agree.) Ellen does have a successful TV track record, especially with the demo of AI. But it’s true, neither Howard nor Ellen is as qualified to judge singers as many other people in the music industry.
Howard would be awesome on this show. I would actually watch it then. Simon leaving is a HUGE blow to this franchise, and if they don’t replace him with a serious draw, it will die due to X-Factor.
F Howard Stern and the douche horse he rode in on.
what part of “family show” are the boneheads not getting? There is nothing “family” about Howard.
Stern will never do AI – he has to keep his mouth shut between the the auditions, and he loves to talk, but who knows?
Of course Ellen isn’t in favor. Once he joins she will be quickly forgotten and overshadowed.
Bye-bye Ellen.
Thank you.
still trying to figure out what “talent” Ellen has beyond being vaguely likable…let’s see, no acting chops, not a highly reputed comedian, had a network show that tanked…well she does pimp well for AmEx, is that her talent?
Ellen is a decent short term but a poor long term choice for the show…as much as I think Stern is over, at least he would generate buzz which is probably needed at this point
I am surprised that I actually liked Ellen on the show. And normally, I cannot stand her. But for Simon’s replacement, PLEASE get someone in the music business. Howard Stern is not that person. Simon isn’t really mean on the show. He is constructive and charismatic. Stern will just be mean just for the sake of being mean. But in all honesty it doesn’t matter who will replace Simon on “American Idol.” Simon’s audience will follow him to “The X-Factor.”
I won’t watch AI, no matter who is hosting it. However, I do see tv ratings every single day and know that while American Idol has lost some viewers over the years (like all programs have), it still dominates all other programs and any network would kill to have the show. So to all the people saying AI is dead, think again.
Actually, Stern might be the right person to bring in a different type of audience that might never watched the show in the first place.
I agree that this is likely Stern fanning the rumors to get leverage from Sirius. Stern would never work on Idol. Idol is meant to appeal to girls to women in their fifties, and does. That’s why you have Seacrest, Simon, Paula, Randy, and now Ellen Degeneres. Women (and girls) like them. It draws ~30 million during peak episodes because it takes females both young and old. It has zero appeal to men, who avoid it like a trip to the set of the View.
Howard Stern appeals to young men (or did on his terrestrial, over-the-airwaves, show). One of his regular segments was sending out a sidekick with questions on current events, asked of lower-income, Blacks and Hispanics in NYC. The illiterate, and uneducated responses would elicit laughter and ridicule from Stern and his in-studio crew. [Critics accuse Jay Leno of ripping off this bit for "Jaywalking."] It certainly was “edgy” and cemented Stern’s appeal to the blue and lower white collar young male population.
Since Stern went to Sirius, people stopped talking about him. He’s become strangely irrelevant while Rush Limbaugh and other over-the-airwave talkers dominate conversation for better or worse. Stern’s listeners mostly did not follow him to Sirius because it costs too much (particularly in a recession). Stern’s whole persona is very “male” and in-your face, calculated to offend, which the young male audience finds very appealing (he’s the downscale Conan O’Brien, basically).
While the trainwreck of Stern on Idol would be hilarious fodder for late night, I don’t see how it works.
yes, none of his fans went with him.
Other than the 12-15 million subscribers minimum who paid to have a satellite radio and the monthly $12-15 fee specifically to hear him.
since you dont know what you’re talking about why dont you sstick a cork in it.
More pay to listen to Howard Stern than any other entertainer in North America.
he is the only one capable of generating that kind of direct fee revenue.
Ellen? how many viewers do you think she gets daily? please.
Howard has more credibility to be a judge on that show than any of the judges currently on the show outside of Simon.
Howard would be a refreshing change for the show. He will bring a more edgy perspective. Let’s hope he does it.
I stopped watching AI years ago, but if Howard is hosting, I will DEFINITELY tune in!!!
Howard Stern? Oh great. Another AI judge who has nothing to do with the music biz! Who’s gonna take over from Randy? Carrot Top?
Howard Stern? Well he should end the show lol. The only worse choice would be Jay Leno…
Middle America will never “get” Howard Stern. They’d prefer to watch stupid sitcoms like Two and a half Men, and movies with Shia Labeouf. It wouldn’t work, and Stern is smart enough the show can’t be saved once Cowell leaves.
Howard should try to get ellen pregnant behind the scenes that way their baby could try out for the idol show in 20 years.
All of you people who claim that Howard is this and Howard is that
are nothing more than the very same dimwitted people who producers target.
You believe everything you hear and are the people who “fall in love”
with “characters” you see on the sit-com’s believing that the ACTORS are
just like what you see on TV. It is ENTERTAINMENT people. IT IS NOT REAL. WAKEY WAKEY. If..and it’s a BIG if, Howard decides to do this
(If he is indeed a serious contender)he will BE whatever the people signing his checks want him to be. And as far as you idiots who claim he has no music experience, do you read any other comments before opening your piehole. No..no you don’t. One thing is funny, I know how YOU are in real life. Stupid, dull and vapid.