Inside ‘American Idol’ judge hunt: Isaak, Connick among contenders; Trump wants in

James Hibberd & Kim Masters The Hollywood Reporter 07/21/2010 15:51

The search to replace Simon Cowell is intensifying as preliminary auditions get under way for the 10th season of Fox’s “American Idol.”

The network is determined to land a widely known music industry figure for the post, and THR has learned that singer Chris Isaak has met twice with the network.

Also, at least one desirable candidate has set off a tug-of-war between “Idol” executive producer Simon Fuller and Cowell — whose upcoming Fox singing competition “The X Factor” is similarly seeking judges.

While Fox insists no decision is imminent, the clock is ticking to replace the snarky Brit. Peter Rice, the network’s new entertainment chairman, has said he expects the new “Idol” judge to join the audition roadshow by early September.

Though filling Cowell’s chair is the network’s top priority, it could be just one of several significant changes. Though “Idol” remains the highest-rated series on TV, its numbers have declined in recent years. Some believe the recent decision to lower the show’s age audition requirement (from 16 to 15) could be the beginning of an “Idol” revamp.

As for replacing Cowell, the network has met with a fair number of candidates.

Isaak, in addition to penning hit songs like 1989’s “Wicked Game,” has appeared in a slew of TV series over the years, including “Eastwick,” “Cold Case,” “Smallville” and his own “Chris Isaak Show” for Showtime.

Another affable crooner, Harry Connick Jr., also has been considered.