Though we’d love to see someone like Elton John or George Michael judging on American Idol, it recently hit us the producers might be better off staying away from snobby Brits if Simon Cowell‘s still going to be on TV doing The X Factor. And after Bret Michaels‘ performance on Idol this week, folks are starting to think the American rocker might be a great replacement. “Actually, he’d be good,” Cowell told Extra. “He’s funny. He’s got experience. He’d be a good choice—and you saw the audience reaction to him. They love him.” Said Michaels, “Provided my health holds up, I think I’m taking that chair next year!”
Though Bret’s medical problems are obviously an issue, we’re starting to think having the Celebrity Apprentice winner join Idol would be a terrific idea. Bret has plenty of experience in reality TV and music, and already comes with his own fanbase (can’t say that for Idol-aspiring record execs like Tommy Mottola). For three years now, the final has involved a humble, soulful rocker (Lee DeWyze, Kris Allen, David Cook) blasting past an early favorite by appealing to the female fanbase—why not take advantage of that trend by putting one at the judge’s table? With Simon gone, maybe it’s time to make American Idol even more American. What do you think?
[Photo: Getty Images]
