

Simon Cowell’s American Idol seat is one of the most coveted jobs in Hollywood these days, but Howie Dorough, for one, doesn’t want the job: he could never be as tough as the British judge and considers himself to be more of a Paula Abdul-type!
“Simon’s shoes are pretty hard to fill, but I respect his honesty,” the 36-year-old Backstreet Boys singer told HollywoodLife.com exclusively at the Lupus LA Orange Ball May 6. “I respect the way he is very witty and wordy, but I don’t think I’m there. I don’t think I’d bring much comedy or excitement to the show. But as for Paula’s shoes…maybe so!” he laughed.
Sorry, Howie — that position has already been filled by Ellen DeGeneres! Play again.
As it turns out, the singer almost signed on to appear on a different reality show — ABC’s Dancing With the Stars.
“I actually got asked to do last season but unfortunately didn’t have the time,” he told us. “We were on tour and everything, but I think it’s a great show and I’m a big fan. My wife watches it all the time religiously, so I’ve really grown to like it.”
Ironically, it seems that a Backstreet Boy-backup was chosen for the show’s ninth season — band member Nick Carter’s baby bro, Aaron, was a contestant!
— Russ Weakland & Laura Schreffler