Simon Cowell has said Oasis star Noel Gallagher could take over his judging seat on American Idol - if US viewers can understand his Manchester accent.
The TV and pop mogul was quizzed about his replacement on the hit series when he leaves this year to launch an American edition of The X Factor.
Asked whether proud Mancunian Noel would be suitable, Cowell said: "Do you think people would understand him?"
He added: "I know Noel quite well. I like him. He is very funny and a brilliant songwriter - it's a possibility."
Gallagher could have more time on his hands after quitting Oasis last year following a row with his younger brother and lead singer Liam.
Cowell - who is said to be in love with new girlfriend Mezhgan Hussainy - said there was "no shortage" of candidates to replace him on American Idol, which is in its ninth series and draws more than 18 million viewers stateside.
Other people linked with the role include US shock-jock Howard Stern and British music producer Steve Lillywhite.
But Cowell, 50, warned the demands of the job would probably rule out stars with established careers.
Citing someone like Madonna's suitability, he said: "It will never happen.
"You have got to give a massive, massive time commitment.
"You have got to find people who are prepared to give that much time."
Expanding on the job requirements, he added: "The person has got to have a lot of experience of the music business.
"You've just got to find somebody who can actually make a difference to the contestants, who's not afraid to speak their mind, who's not afraid to be honest and occasionally blunt, but not to be gratuitously rude.
"I'm really getting tired of that now."
Cowell was also asked what he felt about being described as "irreplaceable" by some fans of the show.
He said: "It's very, very flattering, and I really do appreciate it, but...the show goes on and I'm going to feel sad when it all ends."
Gallagher has previously criticised Cowell's X Factor programme, saying it was not about the music but rather "who's got the biggest sob story".
The guitarist is playing his first solo concerts since quitting Oasis next month.
He will play for the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall on March 25 and 26.
© Press Association