Who Should Replace Simon?

[RealityLovesMe]

It could not be Bieber. If he's sitting on the judging panel, how can he continue to bring joy to all the children and children-at-heart of the world?

Bret would be a bad idea. What would his role be? We need an expert on the panel. He's too unhinged. I still want Harry Connick Jr. He was the best thing to happen to this show this season. I would also consider bringing Paula back. She was refreshing to the show. Harry is the best fit for Simon's vacancy. I don't want Ryan to be a judge but he is really qualified for the position.

[Bonbonlover]

I hope they don't do a rotating judge. It is nice to have someone who can learn to know the performers. "Wow that was so much better than last week." "Yah that maybe was the wrong song choice, but you deserve to be here" (can't say that if they haven't heard a good performance)

[fluff]

I think they started to ruin the chemistry when Kara was brought onboard and things only got worse when they allowed Paula to leave because she asked for a pay rise, a pittance compared to what Idol generates, and replaced her with Ellen.
The group never really gelled and there always seemed to be a level of animosity between Ellen and Simon. Or more accurately, imo, from Ellen directed towards Simon. I think he was past caring.
Kara's attempts to recreate the natural chemistry Paula and Simon had were embarassing.

I should have added Harry Connick to the poll. I didn't see his mentoring week so he wasn't on my radar.
From what I hear, he'd be a good addition.

[MsFroggy]

I should have added Harry Connick to the poll. I didn't see his mentoring week so he wasn't on my radar.
From what I hear, he'd be a good addition.

Harry was ok as a mentor but he was a bit self-important and even obnoxious, certainly by his performance episode. That said, it really doesn't matter much who they bring in instead of Simon. Just like Paula, he can't really be replaced.

[stcroix]

Okay, how about this. Get rid of the whole group, Randy seems nice-- but man is it hard to listen to him get a criticism out past all the 'yo yo's and DOG's'! That's been done now. Ellen started off ok, (little letters) but brought nothing interesting after the first couple of shows. Kara is knowledgeable-- but boring. I say Let them all go! (They probably have iron clad contracts...)

I mentioned Cher in another thread because I could just imagine her attitude of ''I'll say what I **** well please, like it or not" On interviews she's one smart cookie. Or how about Bette Midler? Someone with the cojones to give their opinion and maybe be interesting,too.

I was REALLY surprized at Doogie Howser (can't remember his real name)-- he was a great judge when he was on. Also, anyone remember when Lionel Richie was a guest judge a couple of years ago? He did a fantastic job. I read that Simon didn't like having him on the show and right after that said there would be no more guest judges during the actual show. Guess it took attention away from his witty and brilliant critiques! (I'm going to miss Simon)

I don't want Paula back! She's nice, but slows the show down soooo much. Look how she slowed the show down when she was 'roasting' Simon the other night. It was nice to see her, but a little goes a long way with her.

I don't like the suggestion of Madonna,either. (that may have been on another thread) Have you ever heard her talk on a talk show?! I think she's basically shy and would end up boring.


LOVE Brett after watching him on the Apprentice! But I don't know how he'd work here-- he might be too nice. If you got rid of all the present judges (Please God!) he could fill in for the 'nice but knowledgeable' spot.

[RealityLovesMe]

Harry was ok as a mentor but he was a bit self-important and even obnoxious, certainly by his performance episode. That said, it really doesn't matter much who they bring in instead of Simon. Just like Paula, he can't really be replaced.

I really do think that is why Harry should be the replacement. He would bring new energy to the show! He'd be a bit like Simon but different enough to seem fresh and exciting. We'd be asking, "What will he do next?" My fingers are crossed for him.

[Arielflies]

I really liked Neal Patrick Harris' guest stint during the audition rounds. He brought snark. His curled lip says a lot. Then, again, I also like the idea of Harry Connick, Jr. But, I agree that his personality may be too large for a judge's chair. He was interesting as a mentor, but the judging aspect may be all about him.

Randy will be the same, but Ellen may improve this coming year. She is going to the auditions and now has her own record label so she has more invested in the record industry. With someone else in the fourth chair, Kara may feel the need to take more responsibility and may be more lazered in...maybe.

Rotating that fourth chair would bring interest with the personalities they would bring in; but that would only work if the other three bond as a unit.

Tough, isn't it?

[KennyLuv]

I think Simon must be replaced with Jamie Foxx. Everybody will hate him so much the ratings will go through the roof.

[LuvThisStuf!]

I don't get all the love for Harry Connick. I think he was more interested in himself and his performance than in the contestants. Doesn't anyone remember Barry Manilow mentoring these guys? What season was that? I just remember thinking he really helped them and they all sounded better by following his suggestions.

I'm sure they'll keep AI another season, but really, this show has jumped the shark as far as I'm concerned.

[Harmony2000]

I think really the only thing that will work is tanking either the show or the entire judging panel. I don't see Kara and Randy easily accepting anybody who might dim their "star"s. It will be a power struggle to the detriment of the contestants, Kara will do her sour pissy face while harping about "I just don't know you as an artist" while Randy will whine that he's the head judge....blah DOG! blah.

Yeah, recipe for disaster which is why tanking the whole lot of them would be the best thing.

Do you guys honestly think Kara and Randy will be ok with a stars as big / popular / knowledgeable as Harry C JR or Bret M coming on the show? Or even Barry M?