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America's Got Talent judge Howard Stern has a curious theory about Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez's American Idol departure.

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On last night's episode of AGT, the outspoken host revealed his hypothesis to host Nick Cannon, speculating that Idol's production company (the same as AGT) is saving up their big bucks to transfer Sharon Osbourne to Idol's illustrious panel.

"They released J.Lo and Steven to free up money for Sharon!" he offered. "I think it was a smart move… We set an example as judges that they now realize that they have to step it up-- we've done such an excellent job!"

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All jokes aside, the rumor mill has been spinning since news dropped, leading to rampant speculation as to who might fill the empty seats. Adam Lambert, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin and even Charlie Sheen have been said to be vying for the coveted positions but Idol's executive producer Nigel Lythgoe's lips were sealed regarding the future of the show.

"I think everybody on earth is offering themselves as a judge at the moment," laughed Nigel when the subject arose at the Los Angeles premiere of the film Step Up Revolution. "I'm just really happy to see what develops."

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