Well gee, with "other opportunities" like this available to him, it's clear why Brian Dunkleman claims he opted not to return for "American Idol 2."

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The AP reports that Regis Philbin has found a way to pass the time until co-host Kelly Ripa returns from maternity leave -- "Live With Regis and Kelly" has launched a talent search for a co-host that will culminate in the winner working as Philbin's partner on the April 16th edition of the talk show. According to the report, former "American Idol" co-host Brian Dunkleman will judge the entrants and come up with 10 finalists. Phone-in votes from viewers will determine the eventual winner, just like Fox's hit prime-time show.

The winner will also get a $10,000 contract with Buena Vista Television to work on possible TV projects and a one-year contract with talent agency N.S. Bienstock. No word on what Dunkleman gets out of it (beyond some additional humiliation.)

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