When it comes to “American Idol,” all the talk is over who’s the latest celeb in negotiations to become a judge on the hit Fox show, but in one sense it almost doesn’t matter who Fox chooses.

In the view of media buyers, there is and was only one judge who mattered, Simon Cowell, and many believe his exit will hasten the show’s decline in the ratings.

Many believe that this will be the show’s last season as the No. 1 show on television.

That’s the outcome of a Media Life poll over recent days about the fate of the show as its producers search about to replace Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres, who also left the show.

In the minds of most Media Life readers, Cowell is “American Idol.”

Asked to name their all-time favorite judge, 83 percent chose Cowell.

No other judge came close. The second favorite was Paula Abdul at just 9 percent.

Asked which departed judge they will miss the most, 88 percent chose Cowell. Just 11 percent chose Abdul, who left last year, and fewer than 2 percent chose DeGeneres, who lasted just one season.

Asked whether ratings will decline faster this season because of Simon's absence, 85 percent of respondents thought they would.

Asked how many more seasons "Idol" will remain at No. 1 among adults 18-49, the largest share thought not very many.

A fifth of respondents, 21 percent, think it will fall out of No. 1 this year, while 36 percent think this coming season will be its last. Another 27 percent give it two more seasons, this upcoming one and the next.

Just 11 percent think it would be No. 1 for three more seasons.

Clearly media buyers think the judges are critical to the success of the show, and indeed asked whether they think the judges helped ratings, 57 percent agreed with this statement: “Yes. They are the real personality of the show. I wouldn't watch a bland judging panel.”

Just 7 percent thought not, while 36 percent were unsure. They agreed with this statement: “I think Paula and Simon had strong personalities that probably both helped and hurt ratings at different points.”

Most think three is the ideal number of judges.

Most also think DeGeneres’ departure from “Idol” is a good thing, agreeing with this statement: “She just never seemed comfortable judging the singers, and she had no music experience.”

Similarly, more respondents than not think Kara DioGuardi should not return as a judge, with 61 percent agreeing with this statement:  “She does not have a great camera presence and her critiques don't add anything to the show.”

Among those being talked about to become "Idol" judges, Harry Connick Jr. is the top choice among media buyers at 33 percent, followed by Elton John at 21 percent and Justin Timberlake at 18 percent.

Finally, respondents were asked what changes to "Idol" they would suggest to Fox and producer Nigel Lythgoe, who is returning after a two-year absence.

The overwhelming response was to cut down on the filler, concentrate more narrowly on the contestants, and limit the judges' comments.

"Keep the show running tight," wrote one respondent. "Resist Fox's overtures to make the Results Show an hour and, on performance nights, force the judges to be concise with their comments."

"Beef up focus on the singers; use more back-story to touch emotions and most of all take attention away from the judges as stars," suggested another. "Keep it about the kids to keep your audience engaged and tuned in."

Others suggested that "Idol" dial back on the number of audition episodes to start the season.

"No more auditions by nutbars and no-talents. This really reduces the credibility of the show," noted one respondent.