Piers Morgan may be pals with Simon Cowell, but he told “Today’s” Hoda Kotb that he doesn’t know if the British judge will be leaving “American Idol” at the end of Season 9 as has been rumored.
“I have no idea. Simon Cowell is my boss. I have to be very careful here,” he said, referencing Simon’s role as an executive producer of “America’s Got Talent.” “What I would say is, I don’t think anyone could replace Simon Cowell. He is irreplaceable. He is the dark master.”
Earlier this week, news broke that Bookmaster.com posted odds on who might replace Simon if he decides to leave “Idol” to launch his British reality competition show, “X Factor,” stateside. Piers was the favorite with 2-1 odds. Sean “Diddy” Combs had 3-1 odds.
“It’s slightly disconcerting because the only reason people are saying I’m favorite [to replace him] is probably because I’m perceived to be as mean as he is, which I feel quite upset about, because as you know I’m Mr. Nice Guy,” Piers said.
But when pressed as to whether he would take the seat in the “Idol” judges chair if offered, Piers did his best to dodge the question.
“It’s a fantastic job, but Simon is the master and I think it will be entirely down to him what happens,” Piers said. “He’s got this new show coming called ‘X Factor,’ which Americans haven’t seen yet. It’s the smash hit show in Britain; it is an amazing show, so when that launches in America, wait, because it’s going to be the biggest thing you’ve seen on TV in years.”
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