A should be the answer.
had had is the correct usage here.
There are 2 events happening in the past. One is that Howard Stern had success and the other is that he opted out.
The one happening earlier should be in past perfect.
Other answer choices:
B. uses present perfect, incorrect.
C. Uses simple past, incorrect.
D. alters the meaning. Indicates the success as the reason for opting out.
E. Same mistake as D.
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