Representatives for Tony Award-winning songwriter Elton John and Justin Timberlake have both denied reports that the pop stars will take Cowell’s place to judge the vocal competition. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a list of potential replacement judges includes Tony Award nominee Harry Connick, Jr. and fellow singer-actor Chris Isaak.
Rocker Bret Michaels has publicly lobbied for the position, and even Donald Trump is reported to have expressed interest.
The Reporter also lists pop singer and one-time Chicago star Usher as one of Lythgoe’s choices for the prime seat, along with recently displaced co-judge Paula Abdul.
Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi are the three judges who currently remain on the hit reality series.
"American Idol”’s tenth season will begin in January on Fox.
— Thomas Peter
