The "American Idol" finale is now safely behind us, but the auditions for the next season will be coming up soon and they still do not have a replacement for the departing Simon Cowell. Though a number of names have been tossed around, nobody has been announced to fill the chair left behind. It's possible that the show could continue without a fourth judge (something that former producer Nigel Lythgoe thinks is best) or they could simply run through the audition process with only three judges and add a fourth later (as they did last year with Ellen DeGeneres). But ultimately it appears as though somebody will be filling in the place that Cowell left behind (if not in spirit, at least in body).
Bret Michaels is one of the nominees mentioned. In fact, he told Parade.com that he has a meeting with the producers soon. "We have a meeting in L.A. in a couple weeks and we're going to sit down and talk," he said. "They did a poll and I think it was Madonna, Diddy, Howard Stern and myself, and I took 50 percent or 60 percent of the vote and that's tremendous. I would love to be a judge on 'American Idol.' I think I would bring a lot to the table."
Michaels would indeed bring plenty of charisma, charm and experience to "American Idol." He has proven to be a true television star, as he not only hosted his own show on VH1 ("Rock of Love") but also scored big on the last season of "The Celebrity Apprentice." While Michaels would do a tremendous job as the lead judge on the show, we still think Elton John or Ben Folds should be offered the job first (though there's no indication they've ever been in the running).
If Michaels doesn't score the "Idol" gig, there are still plenty of jobs out there for him on TV.
Conan O'Brien's Band Leader
There have been no discussions about whether or not E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg would return to television as the bandleader for Conan O'Brien's new late night show on TBS when it starts up this fall. If it looks like Weinberg won't be sticking around, why not get the dynamic Michaels to carry the musical side of the show?
Donald Trumps New Celebrity Sidekick
One of the great joys of the past season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" was the return of Joan Rivers as a sort of celebrity consigliere to host Donald Trump. Since Michaels is the reigning champion of "The Celebrity Apprentice," it makes perfect sense that he could come back as a judge, interviewer and provider of simple chains.
Host Of Another Season Of "Rock Of Love"
Because let's be honest: Everybody misses that show.
Judge On "X-Factor"
Wouldn't that be Cowell's greatest curve ball? Michaels could help launch Cowell's new series with his star power and charisma, leaving "American Idol" wondering what happened.
Would Bret Michaels make a good "American Idol" host? Let us know in the comments!