Los Angeles, CA, United States (CNS) - Simon Cowell may be leaving "American Idol," but the nastiness wouldn't leave the Fox hit reality competition show. Shock jock Howard Stern is said to be in talks to replace Cowell next season.

According to New York Post, "Idol" producers want the Sirius XM radio host to take the seat about to be vacated by Cowell.

Stern, whose $100 million per year contract with the radio station ends next January, is reportedly holding out on the contract. Despite what he has been saying on air, he isn't ready to leave radio so he would like Sirius to come up with a new contract with a bigger pay.

The source said, "We believe this is a ploy to make Sirius pay up and keep him on his huge contract. But if Sirius can't pay him the money he wants, he may negotiate to film 'Idol' on the side."

Last month, Cowell confirmed that he will leave the show next season. The current ninth season premiered on January 12 and is expected to conclude in May.