The hunt for the person who will replace Simon Cowell on “American Idol” is on.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Wicked Games” singer Chris Isaak – whose list of past TV credits includes his own sitcom, “The Chris Isaak Show,” on Showtime – has met twice with FOX.
The network reportedly has also considered singer Harry Connick, Jr., and has “given the once-over” to rocker-turned-reality star Bret Michaels, though the Poison front man is reportedly out of contention.
Harry served as a mentor on the show’s latest season, and earned kudos from the ordinarily sharp-tongued Simon.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Harry Connick, Jr.,” he previously told OK! Magazine. “He was a great mentor when he was on, and he knows music.”
Beyond the music world, Donald Trump has reportedly also “quietly lobbied” for the seat. One noisier job seeker has been blogger Perez Hilton, who has trumpeted his desire for the “Idol” seat from his blog for months.
Complicating matters is Simon’s new show, “The X Factor,” which will also air on FOX – and needs judges of its own, leading to a reported “tug-of-war” over at least one candidate.
Whoever makes the cut is expected to join “Idol” in early September for Season 10. Audition filming for the upcoming season began in Nashville, Tenn., over the weekend. The show returns to FOX in January.
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