The American Idol judging panel is merely weeks away from heading to the table for Season 10 auditions, but producers still haven’t locked down a replacement for Simon Cowell, who left the show in May to head up the upcoming FOX singing competition The X Factor. However, a pair of musicians have risen above the crop of contenders to lead a neck-and-neck race for Simon’s spot at the table….

There names are Chris Isaak and Harry Connick Jr.

The noted crooners have beat out other A.I. judging hopefuls — including Comeback Kid Bret Michaels and business mogul Donald Trump — to emerge as favorites during recent chats with series producers, The Hollywood Reporter dished on Wednesday.

“Folksy rock singer Chris Isaak has met twice with Fox as the search intensifies to replace caustic American Idol judge Simon Cowell…Isaak, in addition to penning hit songs like 1989’s “Wicked Game,” has appeared in a slew of TV series over the years, including Eastwick, Cold Case, Smallville, and his own Chris Isaak Show for Showtime. Another affable crooner, Harry Connick Jr., also has been considered.”