I would like some industry insiders, not just artists. Simon’s knowledge of the other side of the business helped make the show fun to watch. He was used to judging talent in the ‘real world’ and brought his brusque attitude and comments to the table.

I think it is important that a singer need not only be a singer, but, in order to be a star, must be able to perform in many phases of show business, and Clay is the most experienced in the most of those phases, all with success. In addition to selling about 7 Million CDs, he has sold about $35 million dollars worth of tickets to his solo tours. About 100 individual TV appearances from Saturday Night Live to Face the Nation and 30 Rock, Kimmel, Leno and Letterman, etc. He is currently riding high on the respect meter, due to his incredible acting reviews from the very recent “The Drowsy Chaperone”, and from the Celebrity Apprentice last year.

There are many other impressive sides to Clay, from UNICEF Ambassador to CEO of his own respected and successful charity the National Inclusion Project, and awards from several organizations.

I believe he would be admired, respected and welcome by contestants and audiences alike, as a judge on American Idol or, for that matter, as a Senatorial candidate from North Carolina.