I bet Howard is using AI as a ploy to get a better radio deal.
Howard has said himself, that he hates flying.  I just can't see him taking the job on the west coast.

You might be right, Bratty.  Although he already makes a fortune with Sirius.  I think he just might like the idea of having to work only four months a year on "Idol"!  Who wouldn't want that, right???  (I worked a four day week many years ago when I first started at 47, and I'd give anything to go back to that!  The three days off give you a chance every week to totally relax and re-charge.)

According to the New York Post report from Friday, American Idol had approached Stern after hearing his repeated on-air mentions that he is "open to other offers" once his current $500 million Sirius XM Radio deal expires in January 2011.

During Monday's broadcast of his Sirius XM satellite radio show, Stern had confirmed he would be interested in replacing Cowell and made numerous comments that suggested there was merit to the Post's report.  

However the New York Post had also noted that one of the newspaper's sources believed Stern was probably just seeking to use American Idol as leverage during his new contract negotiations with Sirius XM -- a belief that Stern's subsequent over-the-top half-hour discussion of the show did little to discredit.

I think Bratty is right!  Stern Is Synonymous With Sirius!