SUMMER SLUMP? Will Smith’s ‘MIB3′ Slows … 
Cannes Finale: The Jury Talks And Hammond’s Analysis … 
Nicole Kidman Speaks Out On Taking Risks, Roles And Taking … 
Oscilloscope Takes U.S. Rights To ‘Reality’ 
‘Mud’: Did Cannes Save One Of The Best For … 
Cannes Podcast: Pete Hammond On ‘Lawless’, … 
Over-Achievers Of This Year’s Upfront 
Aussie Pay-TV Shakeup Impacts Hollywood 
USA: ‘Rebounding’ & ‘Modern … 
Interview: Philip Kaufman At Cannes With ‘Hemingway … 
R.I.P. Television Mogul Lee Rich 
Cannes Biz Shines Despite Wind & Rain 
Full 2011-2012 TV Season Series Rankings 
2011-12 Season Network Rankings: Fox Still On Top But Down, … 
HLN Set To Air Daytime Emmy Awards 
Grant Bowler Cast As Richard Burton Opposite Lindsay Lohan … 
UPDATE: Dish Network And Broadcasters Ask Courts To Decide … 
Cannes Surprise Screening: Change Of Plans On Juan Antonio … 
Kevin Hart In Talks To Join Kevin James In ‘Valet … 
Anthony Hopkins Up For ‘Red 2′ Villain; Can … 
Cannes Conflicted Over ‘The Paperboy’ As … 
The comedienne/actress announced on her talk show that she would replace Paula Abdul. Fox sent out the announcement below. Seriously, do I have to bother to say more? Except to note that Ellen DeGeneres has broken every gay barrier now that Madison Avenue loves her. ICM made her deal.
Emmy Award winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.
The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges’ panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.
“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL,” said DeGeneres. ”I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”
“I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the AMERICAN IDOL family,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and her understanding of the American public will bring her own unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”
“We’re all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America’s foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team.”
Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX added, “We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the AMERICAN IDOL judges’ table this season. She is truly one of America’s funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it’s like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day. We feel that her vast entertainment experience – combined with her quick wit and passion for music – will add a fresh new energy to the show.”
Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.
Loading ...
WHAT??????????? Nikki, April Fools Day was over 5 months ago….
WORST IDEA EVER
Out of the many possible AI judge replacements…. this one makes no sense. Ellen DeGeneres is a comedian, as her singing & dancing indicates, she has no talent in thatarea. Sure, we all have an opinion, and we all know what we like as to what is comercially viable and what is not… but to have the responsibility and musical awareness to choose America’s next big star… she is highly un-qualified. How about someone like Smoky Robinson, or just for ratings sake, let’s drag the “wiggy” Phil Spector out from behind the “walls of no sound” to participate in the new AI season. Now that’s “must see TV!”.
Hell a five year deal.
She better get her money on the front end and sit Sharon Stone and Portia next to her for me to watch.
The first season was interesting. Since then I haven’t really watched the show until the final few.
Paula could dance. Ellen tries everyday, but doesn’t quite seem to be into the groove.
Paula could sing. Ellen was little Elmo and couldn’t sing in a Disney movie.
Paula could at least judge talent. Ellen has a British speaking DJ. Enough said.
I give American Idol one more year, maybe 1.5.
The Paula haters will find something on cable.
The Paula lovers will put on a DVD just to pass the time.
Those of us who find the concept stupid still won’t watch.
Without Portia and Sharon sitting next to her every day, her jokes will become stale and piss off Randy and Simon.
“Paula could at least judge talent. Ellen has a British speaking DJ. Enough said”
Are you serious with this comment, or am I missing the sarcasm?
And she knows about singing because….?
Oi vey.
I love this. I don’t really believe it but I just love it anyway. This really spins the show ……
Hooray! A splendid choice. Real chuckles, a wonderfully delightful personality. Who ever came up with that idea should get a BIG, really BIG raise! Can’t wait for her first appearance!
Brilliant decision!
Wow. I didn’t know the show could get worse.
The reason why Madison Avenue loves Ellen Degeneres so much is that she just happens to be gay. She doesn’t let her sexuality define her any more than a straight comic lets her heterosexuality define her. By merely being herself, and not making a big deal out of her homosexuality, though she does not hide by any means, she’s been great for the movement towards equality for gays.
Atually, she does let her sexuality define her. That is why everybody in the world knows that she is gay. She is an embarrassment and this move will kill American Idol. American Idol is choosing to make their show controversal which is a stupid move. Also, Ellen isn’t in the music business so it seems the whole purpose of adding her to American Idol is because she is gay. Why else whould they add her? I think this is a big mistake and I won’t be watching anymore.
I don’t normally comemt but it seems somebody like you needs to be put back in their place First of all Ellen has great tallent thats why she is where she is and being Gay….well thats personal and being gay black white red or even purple who really cares? Ellen good luck in what ever you do and people like gred should have their cable service cut off then you won’t have a problem with her or what ever it is that she does. If you don’t like it then buddy don’t watch. Have A possitive day
So, they’ve given up on having someone with a connection to the music biz?
Interesting strategy… I guess….
Not like it matters since I don’t actually watch Idol anyway outside of tuning in when something else is on commercial during the opening auditions to see Simon disembowel the delusional.
An interesting, if odd, choice as a judge. However, it is the kind of decision that could make people quickly forget Paula Abdul.
Did anyone even care that she left?
I think the opposite will occur. First the YouTube video tributes of “back in the day” when PA ” wuzza keepin’ it real.” Then the inevitable Paula vs Ellen smack down on ** insert favorite over-hyped web two ohhhhhhh site **. Next will come the TMZ “exclusive” of Paula’s nipple slip, followed by Ellen in her man-attire. This will be followed by some no-life looser starting a petition to can Ellen, and bring back Paula. And last, the childish antics of the teen set who just learned to “photoshop” something; Ellen’s head on Paula’s laker girl pic, Paula’s head on Ellen’s man-suit, and of course the inevitable crass lesbo shot Monty Python style. Then the jokes. Me first!
Which is funnier: Paula’s on air interviews while drunk, or Ellen’s comedy act while sober? At least Paula has a reason for bombing she was drunk.
If Ellen did her show drunk, would she be as funny as Paula when drunk? Better yet, would she even start to be funny?
Ok they were more like snide remarks made on talk soup or soap soup wtf ever it is.
People want to know! Will Paula fall off the wagon, because of Ellen? Will Ellen have a trist with the closeted female, will she use the casting couch? Viewers want to know, or at least watch the video of them making asses of themselves.
How long until Paula or Ellen have an alien baby?
Fremantle and The Scab. Perfect Together.
Please tell me this is a joke.
Just when I thought this show couldn’t get anymore annoying…
How cool. I really like this idea.
Go Ellen
I love Ellen, but what an awful choice. Shouldn’t you have something to do with music if you are going to judge it? Ellen was on an episode of “So You Think You Can Dance” this past season and offered nothing but continually annoying jokes and bland commentary with no constructive feedback at all. I expect the same on Idol. Heck, even Paula threw in some criticism now and then. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I’m gonna miss Abdul. Actually, I think having Randy, Kara and Ellen together just decided Idol’s fate on my Tivo.
Clearly Simon wants to kill this show and i guess this she is going to be his latest attempt at a shark.
I like Ellen but she knows nothing about music. The neophytes get to vote for the American Idol. At least the judges can be professional musicians or producers. It’s stunt casting and I don’t like the sound of it. Let’s see how it plays out.
Well, the reason they got Ellen on AI is because they want someone to represent the American consumer, to judge if the competitors’ music is actually worth buying.
Makes perfect sense to me.
I don’t watch the show anymore, but I love the idea of Ellen being a judge. I may tune in ever so often to see her.
Totally fresh notion…..
Why Ellen? I love her as a comic, but the show is about singing. She doesn’t know music. She doesn’t know the music biz. She doesn’t know about developing talent or making hit records. Is she great as a judge? My guess is that she will repace Paula in the snese of always giving a compliment and saying something ridiculous (most of which has nothing to do with singing) and at no point being honest at all. It just makes the show more of a joke, which is a shame because I generally like the show, but this is stupid.
Brilliant choice. I might even watch the show now. She’ll add humor and loves music.
Stephen – Agree 100%. Even the phobes have to admit they like her as a person.
For any phobes out there, watch the PBS documentary
“Anyone and Everyone” I
I’m absolutely surprised at the anti-Ellen-AI statements on here. Although I suppose these are probably the same people who had their hate emails pre-written with an “Insert Name Here” spot.
What exactly about Ellen is so terrible? Assuming you nay-sayers actually watch the show, do you actively think “Boy, if someone said something incredibly funny and clever right now it would just RUIN things. What this show needs for integrity is drug-influenced rambling.”
Don’t get me wrong, I like Paula, and her big-heart was a very endearing part of the show. But I would trade it in two seconds for some genuinely clever commentary that made me laugh.
And the posters who talk about Paula as some second coming of a musical Jesus? Who are you kidding? I’m sure if AI had been on anyone’s radar before season one, you’d have been the first person screaming “80′s hack has-been as a judge?!?”
Honestly, what is it about some people where the need to bitch and spew uncalled for vehemence is that overpowering. Maybe it’s the nature of the internet, but I feel bad for anyone with such an absurd hair-trigger of nastiness.
Good luck with the therapy.
Great post! Totally agree.
You sound like you had your love the **insert replacement here** response ready to roll.
The question is not “what is so bad,” it’s wtf were they thinking. This is followed by; why, wtf are they thinking? and lastly What is so great about her.
Assuming she is going to say anything funny, is like playing Roulette only with worse odds.
Hmm Ellen being funny or snowball in Hell? Boy that is tough, might have to flip a coin.
It’s a music show.
Ellen knows nothing about music.
She’s not qualified to be a judge.
There’s no hate involved in pointing out the bloody obvious. You have to wonder about people who have to attack anyone who has a different opinion, alluding to dark motives for their opinion.
The audience for American Idol is largely girls/women and gay men. Mike Darnell knows exactly what he is doing, as always.
Guarentees I won’t be tuning in. AI…out !
Hey, “Perplexed” (Ellen-AI shill):
If you want to see hair trigger nastiness, look in the mirror. And just because folks disagree with you doesn’t make them “crazy.” That’s a tired meaningless insult that always comes from those with no defensible position. The comments about this being a lousy choice are right on. This show is squeezing out one or two more seasons, cynically stunt casting Ellen whose appetite for self-promotion never seems sated.
I love the idea of Ellen being a judge. She’s a fantastic character and a tremendously funny, entertaining show host – I predict this is going to boost the ratings; Paula will be forgotten in a matter of weeks.