'American Idol,' Harry Connick Jr.: Season 12 Guest Judge to Return Permanently for 2013 & 2014 Episodes? Other Possible Choices

With Simon Cowell's departure from FOX's hit singing competition show, "American Idol," countless rumors concerning his replacement have been popping up. Recently one rumored replacement, singer and actor Harry Connick Jr., confirmed that the show's producers have been in contact with him to be the next judge at the start of the new season. Connick has yet to give an answer, but after his recent guest appearance as a judge this season it looks like he is quite fit for the job.

After Thursday's results episode of "American Idol," Harry confirmed reports of interested producers backstage, saying, "They wanted to know if I would be interested and it's a blast, but I don't know, it's hard to make a commitment like that."

He is set to release his latest album Every Man Should Know on June 11, so a support tour might be expected leaving not much time for this commitment.

During the live show on Wednesday, Harry and judge Randy Jackson had a heated argument, which probably got producers interested in him becoming a new judge. Tension is a good thing at the judge's table.

"You need to be completely honest and diplomatic," Connick said about his way of judging. "There's no reason to be mean, but it's called being a judge. You have to judge, that's what you do."

He served as a mentor as well this week just as he did during season 9 of "American Idol." Even back then he was offered a judging spot but "it didn't work out, there were a lot of things going on on their side and my side."

In addition to Harry Connick Jr., the rumored replacements also include Antonio 'L.A.' Reid, Shania Twain, Piers Morgan, Howard Stern, Perez Hilton, Sir Elton john, Steve Lillywhite, Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Tommy Mottola. Who do you think would make a good replacement for Simon Cowell?