Simon Cowell: 'Noel Gallagher Could Replace Me As American Idol Judge'

Simon Cowell has suggested that former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher could replace him as a judge on American Idol.

Speculation has been rife over who will take over from Cowell on the hit show after he announced plans to step down after the current series.

So far, US radio host Howard Stern and Britain's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan have been linked to the vacant spot.

But now Cowell has intimated that Gallagher could take over – as long as US audiences can understand his Mancunian accent.

"Do you think people would understand him?" the music mogul replied when asked about the guitarist's credentials.

"I know Noel quite well. I like him. He is very funny and a brilliant songwriter - it's a possibility."

Gallagher has appeared uncertain about the talent show in the past, claiming that it favours the contestant "who's got the biggest sob story".

Cowell has been a central figure on American Idol since it launched in 2004, but is leaving in order to pursue his own projects.

Speaking to the Press Association, he said there were “no shortage” of contenders vying for his position.

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