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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.”
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Common, guys….a judge on AI does not need to be a music expert or even work in the music industry. Ellen is a great performer and will be able to spot good talent and decide what works and what doesn’t.
I don’t think this looks too good for Ellen, but it was certainly a good idea for FOX.
To think of all the money she’s getting for this!
The Scab indeed.
I thought this Abdul angle was a work. I guess I was wrong. Why does she need so much money anyway. She was already making millions of dollars. Oh well.
I think its a fantastic idea. If you dont like it, shutup and dont watch it. Simple as that. If its going to upset you to the point where you have to be insulting, I think its time to get a life, move out of your parents basement, wipe the fog off of your dork goggles, and plant your nose in a book, and leave the tv to those of us who enjoy it when its at its best, as it is with Miss Ellen.. Really though, get a life.
If too many shut up and dont watch it then the show will flop duh..
Ellen is a comic who isn’t funny and an entertainer with no discernible talent beyond a certain anodyne appeal. Her career was bottoming out until she made a “big deal” about her sexuality. Give me a break.
What?? I thought adding a 4th judge was a bad idea, but never thought it could get worse!! Guess I’ll have to hear Ellen’s stupid laugh or maybe not even watch…….
Perplexed,
Humor is subjective.
She’s not funny to many of us. She’s annoying.
Is anyone sick of Ellen yet?
Does she have to be on everything? American Express commercials, talk show, award shows–Ryan Seacrest is a freakin’ recluse compared to her.
Hey, there’s one last network that doesn’t have a female anchor for its news….
Enjoyed the show watched alot however did not care for Kari wanted the camera to hurry and get off of her. Also do not care for the replacement of Paula, Paula was a big part of the show. Im not getting it with the Ellen thing she doesnt have that much charisma, she’s not a family role model. Which it is a family show, because its american idol. Creates conflict. Sorry will not watch as much.
Really, instead of choosing any of the millions of professional dancers or singers in the USA, AI decided to go with a talk show host to judge talent? Oh, that really adds credibility to the show! Why didn’t they just kick Ryan Seacrest upstairs? And I am sure that Jimmy Fallon, Conan O’Brien, Tyra or Wendy William and any of the ladies of the View would jump in there and pitch hit.
AI should have just gone with the vampire trend to gain ratings. As each judge kicks off the wanna be idol with blood drips from their fangs of the fresh kill:
Randy says, “sorry dawg, I just had to do it!”
Kira smiles, “you tasted good, gotta get back to the studio”
Simon smirks, “next!”
Ellen shrieks,”get away from me, blood might stain my sneakers!”
I am glad to see Ellen get this. However, gay men are not going to watch for Ellen.
So now, the show will continue to Degenerate.
Gosh, I just don’t know.
I like Ellen, but I also liked an ex-pop star’s perspective.
The show has officially jumped the shark
NOOOOOoooooooooooo; noooooooooooooooooo; noooooooooo
Well that’s it for me and Idol. Degenerate is the most irritating of fluffy individuals…..
Perhaps because she has the same name as me I hate her twice as much – Freudian – but really I know more about music than she does. Perhaps Fox is secretly trying to kill the show…
I know that I’ll NEVER watch the show again. Ellen is like nails on a chalkboard. That drive’s me nuts.
Not a good move at all FOX.. shame, shame, shame.
I am so upset over the decision to replace Paula with ellen…I so agree that this was a bad move on the part of the show.
Brilliant move. She’s likeable, funny, has heart like Paula but is different enough from her so that they’re not just duplicating the “Paula” role, and a good contrast to the other judges? And her high profile draws attention to the show. Does it really matter that she may not be “qualified” to judge singing? The others can do that, if it matters. This is about keeping the show going strong, or at least as strong as possible as it gets old.
Ok, can we please get something cleared up here… Just because someone thinks this is a silly idea or does not like Ellen does not make them “anti-gay” or a homophobe as a few posts seem to allude to. That’s no different than saying that anyone who didn’t vote for Obama is a racist. Let’s please keep the discourse here at a higher level than what you’d hear on the Fox News Channel. Thanks
Gotta love clueless idiots like LA Law – CNN, ABC, etc – are the ones who promote the “only racists don’t like Obama” mantra you’re complaining about.
I Like Ellen,but this is a bad choice. I can’t get over how Idol Big Wigs treated Paul Abdul after how long she was with American Idol. Why did they not negotiate with her in good faith? Very strange. I wonder if American Idol will lose some viewers because of not signing Paula.
I think this is great. They already have 3 industry insiders, so they didn’t need that. What they DO need is someone who views the performances as a consumer, since the judges’ favorites aren’t always the ones who do well commercially (I’m looking at you, Jordin Sparks!).
Plus, she fills that “nice judge” spot really nice. The only difference is she can form cohesive sentences (or speak without slurring). But don’t worry; if people are still really missing Paula’s contributions, I’m sure Ellen would compliment people hair or clothes to fill that role.
Remember when Dennis Miller was hired to anchor Monday Night Football?
Ellen doesn’t belong on Idol – plain and simple. Yes, it’s clear what Darnell is doing but at what cost? Who really cares what she thinks about music and these performers? Whatever Paula’s shortcomings are/were, she has the experience in this biz to actually provide value added commentary. I personally can’t wait to see how long it takes for her to piss off Simon with her stupid jokes. Ellen should stick with day time TV where her bland humor and appeal can do little harm. Kara was an annoying choice, but with Ellen, there’s only so much crap you can tolerate. Turn the channel.
Did it ever occur to all the “What does Ellen know about music” whiners that the one thing missing from the show has been exactly that — someone NOT in the music business. Maybe having someone who’s interest in music is not professional but that of someone who downloads their iTunes — just as all the rest of you do — would be the perfect addition to a panel of only recording industry insiders. When the rest of you watch the show, I’m sure you have your favorites and root for a particular contestant — does that mean you know nothing about music and shouldn’t have an opinion. Maybe think of it this way — Ellen will represent those of us who know nothing about the recording business but just like our music. Who better to judge the next American Idol than you and me — the ones who are gonna pay for the 99 cent download. I can’t think of anyone I’d like more to represent me than Ellen Degeneres. Get over your elitist attitude, or better yet, stay true to your convictions and never again feel you have any ability to know what music you like.
@LD52: Your comment does not make logical sense. American Idol is a singing competition as Simon Cowell always points out. Who has a better understanding of the skills and talent needed to succeed professionally as a singer: a producer, a professional singer, a songwriter, or a comedian? As a logician I would vote for the first two, with a slight nod to the third one. A comedian knows as much about a singing competition as a lawyer or trash collector does.
The musical consumer does not know why they like something, they only know when they connect with it. They don’t have the ability to intelligently quantify what makes that connection happen. They may have a superficial understanding that a fan does, but that does not mean they can judge based on skill set, but rather just instinctual preferences. After all, there were people who also bought William Hung’s downloads and you would have to be on crack to say the man has talent.
Your argument is about as intelligent as saying someone who is good at the board game “Operation” should get a shot at evaluating who gets to be a surgeon because the common folk have wisdom.
The show sucks pure and simple. It doesn’t matter whether the judges know how to sing or not. The show will continue to suck regardless– it just may be a bit more interesting in the beginning to check out Ellen on the show. I think she’s really likable, and despite not caring for Idol, I’ll still be curious to see what she brings.
Interesting comments about Ellen NOT being in the music biz. As a 25-year veteran of the biz, it has really, really changed ladies and gents. It’s all about show biz. And, Idol is after all is said and done, what? A talent show!
She’ll mix it up; everyone will stop talking about Paula; and, Paula will realize what a huge mistake her manager David Sonnenberg has made. Sure, he rolled the dice … and, lost.
Wonder how long it’ll be before Ellen gets up and has a dance herself! And, Portia … let’s get ehr into the mix!
I may have to actually go back and watch it again!
Yup. Paula screwed the pooch on this one.
@ David: If you are a 25 year veteran of the music biz and have that approach to the craft of making music, then we know why music abjectly sucks today- due to the involvement of great populists like you.
There is a difference between show biz and being a performer with chops. Britney = Showbiz as opposed to Xstina = Performer
You probably don’t get it and that is the reason why the industry is screwed.
I love her, but she’s got no musical cred. (Not that Paula had that much, but she’d been a professional singer/dancer at least.) Weird choice.
why an inexperienced comedian who will push the gay agenda???