Elton John first choice to replace Simon Cowell, says 'American Idol' boss

The new boss of the US hit TV show "American Idol" has revealed that Elton John is still his No. 1 choice to replace Simon Cowell as a judge on the top-rated talent show.

"I must say, I really do love Elton John. He's a huge favorite of mine," the New York Post quoted Nigel Lythgoe, the newly rehired executive producer of "Idol" as saying.

The superstar singer and songwriter has too many concert appearances right in the middle of "Idol" season -- the show runs from February to May -- to be available for the series, says Lythgoe.

Getting Elton to clear his schedule is "always the problem," the producer told the Web site Deadline Hollywood.