Who Will Replace Simon Cowell?

Who will replace Simon Cowell on "American Idol" next year?

That's the question that has been swirling in cyberspace since Monday afternoon when Cowell made his exit official.

Online gambling sites quickly made hay with the question. The best bet, according to oddsmakers, is British journalist and "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan. Morgan appears to be dodging the question. In a recent appearance on "Today," he dubbed Cowell irreplaceable.

Other choices being discussed range from the predictable to the sublime. Kanye West, anyone? The common thread appears to be musical chops.

Among the possible choices are Quincy Jones, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Russell Simmons, Simon Fuller and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.

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Paula Abdul, who left "Idol" at the end of last season, is another name being discussed as both Cowell's replacement or as a judge on Cowell's new show "The X Factor." Cowell himself fueled those rumors by saying a while ago that he looked forward to working with Abdul in the future.

Meanwhile , "Idol" viewers are waiting to see what impact Ellehn DeGeneres will have as Abdul's replacement. Although the show starts this week, DeGeneres won't make an appearance until next month.

Until then, the seat will be filled by a variety of guest judges, including former Spice Girl Victoria "Posh" Beckham , who was a guest judge last year as well.