English producer Steve Lillywhite has announced that he would like to replace American Idol judge Simon Cowell, who will not be returning to the show next year.
The Morrisey, Rolling Stones and U2 producer, who is currently working on Evanescence's new album, told Billboard that he is the best option to "help America find the next Elvis Presley."
He said, "I think I have the right credentials. I'm quite effervescent. I'm quite opinionated. I'm funny. I can do this job."
Lillywhite has even released a video on YouTube pleading his case. He also noted that, while he often agreed with Cowell's opinions, "The difference between me and Simon is my view of what the star could be is slightly broader than his."
Other rumored replacements for Cowell have included Piers Morgan and Noel Gallagher.
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May 08, 2026 15:50 ET Manufacturing and services sector survey results and labor market data from main economies were the highlight on the economics news front this week. Factory orders and jobs report dominated the news flow in the U.S. Similarly, industrial production data from German garnered attention in Europe. In Asia, purchasing managers’ survey results from China and the central bank decision from Australia were in focus.