Americans love an acerbic Brit who can tell it like it is. Arguably the best part of American Idol’s early years was watching judge Simon Cowell scowl at seemingly tone-deaf contestants as they sang their hearts out. His criticisms, insults, and wisecracks became the reason most people copped to watching the show—sure, hearing a talented vocalist hit a high note was inspiring, but hearing Cowell trash the train-wrecks was even better. But after eight seasons it was Cowell’s turn to exit the stage, as he went on to launch an American version of his popular British show, X Factor. Jennifer Lopez was tapped as his replacement on the judges panel, but no matter how much ‘tude Jenny From the Block brought to the set, Idol has never been the same. In the years since Cowell’s exit, the judges panel has been a rotating musical chairs act, with the only original judge, Randy Jackson, announcing his departure on May 9.
Big Shoes to Fill: 14 Who Followed in the Footsteps of Legendary Leaders
This week’s news that legendary Manchester United football manager Alex Ferguson would be retiring later this month -- and passing his job to David Moyes -- got us here at TIME thinking about how certain roles can be very tough to fill indeed. Whether you’re an athlete, politician, business leader, or entertainer, stepping into a role once filled by a legend can be a daunting task, regardless of your credentials. In that spirit, we present 14 of the most influential figures in recent memory, and the unlucky souls who had to try to fill their shoes.
Jennifer Lopez / Simon Cowell
Full List
Replacing Legends
- How Do You Take Over for a Legend?
- Tim Cook / Steve Jobs
- Joe Girardi / Joe Torre
- Coco Chanel / Karl Lagerfeld
- Bob Paisley / Bill Shankly
- Sammy Hagar / David Lee Roth
- Gene Bartow / John Wooden
- Jay Leno / Johnny Carson
- Tim Floyd / Phil Jackson
- Lyndon B. Johnson / John F. Kennedy, Jr.
- Drew Carey / Bob Barker
- Ben Bernanke / Alan Greenspan
- George Seifert / Bill Walsh
- Jennifer Lopez / Simon Cowell
- Pope Benedict XVI / Pope John Paul II