Why Fox Hasn't Replaced Simon and Ellen Yet

American Idol will soon be without its signature judge, Simon Cowell, but though auditions for new contestants start in just a few weeks, Fox has yet to sign a replacement. Ellen DeGeneres needs to be replaced, too, and so might Kara DioGuardi. The Hollywood Reporter says there are seven factors in the holdup: 1. Instead of replacing Cowell with another producer-type, Fox wants a celeb. 2. Celebs will want money—Elton John wanted too much, and so does Jennifer Lopez. 3. There are a ton of people involved in making key Idol decisions, leading to chaos. 4. Possible replacements want to make sure they’re working with judges that are easy to get along with and are on par with their reputation. 5. The whole set of judges needs to have the right chemistry, and Fox isn’t sure if there should be two women, or two black people, or two Brits, etc. 6. Many are reluctant to commit to all those shows. And finally, 7. Simon Cowell is a tough act to follow. It’s like trying to play James Bond after Sean Connery.