The search is on to replace American Idol judge Simon Cowell as the 10th season of the Fox program begins its preliminary auditions, and singer Chris Isaak is looking more and more like a possible replacement, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The singer has met twice with the network, although Fox insists no decision is imminent. Peter Rice, the network's new entertainment chairman, has said he expects the new "Idol" judge to join the audition roadshow by early September.

Harry Connick Jr. and rocker Bret Michaels have also been considered.

Even Donald Trump quietly lobbied to replace Cowell despite his longtime association with NBC as producer and judge of The Apprentice franchise.