With Ellen DeGeneres stepping down from American Idol after one season, rumors have been circulating over who will be her replacement. Couple that with the news that Kara DioGuardi may be following suit, and the blogosphere has gone aflame with the speculation of such possible replacements as Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

However, we’ve been told by inside sources close to the original source that the frontrunner to replace DeGeneres is in fact Gary Busey.

The American-born actor, who is most known for his eccentric behavior and roles in Point Break and Rookie of the Year, has recently stated his desire to take his career in a different direction, and is reported to already be in discussions with FOX to sign a three year contract worth millions.

“FOX seems pretty set on going in a new direction with Ellen’s replacement,” stated one source that has close relationships with several higher ups in FOX’s Customer Service Wing. “They wanted someone who could be funny, but also bat-**** insane. So it’s only fitting that Mr. Busey would join the cast.”

When reached for comment, Gary Busey was more than jubilant about his newest role on the hit reality TV competition.

“When one takes faith in their life and is able to grasp it by the balls, it will reveal to them a new idea,” the actor said from his home in Los Angeles. “For me, that idea is American Idol: Accepting malicious energy right into copulating ample negligence in determining other lifestyles.”

With Mr. Busey set to judge in the upcoming season, the spotlight now turns to who will replace Simon Cowell. Sources who have recently broken into the FOX headquarters and hacked into several employees’ email accounts are reporting that Simon Cowell will be replaced by old voice mails left by Mel Gibson.

The weekend is here! Celebrate with these great programming choices from DISH Network, airing Friday! » read more

Check out MLB games and golf today on DISH Network channels! Get more sports for less than the cost of the competition when you switch to DISH Network! » read more

Photo: NowPublic.com

Bored with baseball? Sick of watching the “Mad Batter” Tendulkar conquer cricket? Flip to your international satellite TV channels to view crazy sports that maybe aren’t even sports.

1. The Man vs. Horse Marathon

The tiger vs. bear matches that allegedly took place in the Coliseum are way too extreme (not to mention, inhumane) for the modern world. But did you know you could still watch man vs. animal? We’re not talking rodeo or bull fighting (boo!); we’re talking about the ultimate matchup: man vs. horse in a marathon.

What the heck is that? It’s a 22-mile long race in June where distance runners compete against riders on horseback.  It takes place in Llanwrtd Wells, Wales.

Favorites: The horses are going the distance in this scenario. Ever see those packs of wild mustangs loping through the plains without even breaking a sweat? Enough said.

Intensity level: 4 out of 5 beads of sweat.

Is it a sport: It involves a lot of running, so yes.

2. International Bog Snorkeling Competition

Every year in August, the Welsh fasten their flippers, straighten their snorkels, and take to a peat bog for the International Bog Snorkeling Competition.

What the heck is that? It’s another weird sport near Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales! Competitors must swim two consecutive 60-yard lengths of a water-filled trench cut through a foggy, soggy peat bog.

Intensity level: 2 out of 5 beads of sweat.

Is it a sport? The uniform consists of flippers and a snorkel, so no.

Also catch: Mountain bike bog snorkeling and the Bog Snorkeling Triathlon.

3. World Toe Wrestling

One, two, three, four, I declare a toe war. That’s right. The World Toe Wrestling Championship is held every year at the Bentley Brook Inn in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

How does one train for this event? By doing toe-push ups and lifting tiny toe-sized weights of course.

What the heck is that: It’s just like thumb wrestling, only using a less flexible phalange – your toe. It’s polite to take your opponent’s socks off before the bout begins. Players start by linking toes and attempting to pin their opponents feet for three seconds. 

Meet the Athletes: Alan “Nasty Nash” and Paul “Toeminator” Beech

Is it a sport: We’re still wondering if wrestling counts as a sport. So no.

Intensity: 4 out of 5 beads of sweat.

Comment below with your favorite odd or international sport. Check out DISH Network international sports channels so you won’t miss a second of these oddball athletes as they train and compete for odd titles in odd sports.

In last week’s episode, “Cold War,” we saw Tamesha go home instead of Kenny in the most nail-biting elimination of the season.  Kenny claimed, “I’m just too much a beast in the kitchen to go home,” and I agree; but I would argue that more than just cooking ultimately decides who stays and who goes, especially at this point in the competition.  And let’s be honest: Kenny’s competitors have it out for him.  It may be time for him to step up and start playing a little more of the “game,” like, for example, Angelo has been doing.  This deep into the competition, people must start watching their backs, lest a competitor stab them (with a very sharp kitchen knife). » read more