Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe insists that Elton John is "absolutely the best choice" to replace Simon Cowell as the toughest judge on the infamous pop-star-factory reality show. Cowell's leaving the show in Fall 2011 to launch his British The X Factor for the same channel, Fox.

John's rep responded by stating clearly "he's not going to be a judge." But we can still hope, right? Post-Cowell Idol could really use some crazy-glasses-wearing, Crocodile Rock-wailing snark.

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