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Expert “Can’t Think of Anyone Better” Than Howard Stern to Replace Simon Cowell

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It's rumored that Howard Stern will take Simon Cowell's place on the American Idol judge's table next year.  Will it work?

More than 80 percent of UsMagazine.com readers think so.

See which Idols are married or engaged

But the move is "not without its risks," warns Marc Berman, the senior television editor at Mediaweek.

"It's an enormous gamble. He certainly is a name. He certainly is not afraid to speak his mind. He would create a lot of controversy. If they're looking to keep the show on the map, it's not a bad idea," Berman says.

Check out incredible before and after body makeovers of former Idol finalists

The shock jock would definitely stir up some drama, Berman adds.

Stern "is not exactly G-rated," Berman points out. "Parents with young children might not let their kids watch. He's going to say, 'Screw it, I'm going to say whatever I want.'"

Idol viewers who loved to watch Paula Abdul and Cowell spar would still have a fight to watch each week.

See Paula's wackiest looks over the years

"I'm sure he wouldn't completely get along with Kara or Randy or Ellen. It would be chaos and turmoil," Berman says.

But because Stern doesn't have a music background — like Ellen DeGeneres — and the series is about finding talent, "it cheapens the brand," Berman says. "What does he really know about music?"

And ultimately, if the Fox reality hit drops in ratings, Stern "would be blamed," Berman adds.

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