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Twitter'American Idol': Ellen DeGeneres replaces Paula Abdul as fourth judge
Talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres has been named as the fourth "American Idol" judge.FOX announced this evening that Ellen will be joining Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson on the "American Idol" judging panel in the wake of Paula Abdul's departure. She will join the panel after the initial auditions, so I'm hoping that means she is there for Hollywood Week.
DeGeneres had this to say: "I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol. 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 understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can't wait for this next season to begin."
From the FOX press release: "A beloved television icon and entertainment pioneer, DeGeneres' distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. DeGeneres has made a home for herself in the daytime arena with her hit syndicated talk show, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.' The show, now entering its seventh season, won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host four years in a row and has earned a total of 29 Daytime Emmy Awards."
She has some previous judging experience, as she was on the panel for "So You Think You Can Dance" this past summer. I particularly enjoyed Ellen and Mia Michaels judging together; that was a treat.
I think Ellen will most certainly bring the funny as an "American Idol" judge. My only concern is, having watched her do "So You Think You Can Dance," that she won't know when to be serious and give helpful critiques.
Ellen herself weighed in on her new job from the set of her talk show. Check it out:
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Wow! somebody w/bona fide A List talent on the other side of the Am Idle judge mic. AND one with a personality to boot. This must be the 4th Horseman---lookout. . ..
barf
You must be kidding me replacing a class act like Paula with a homosexual. Puke Puke Vomit Vomit
Omg - SERIOUSLY??? Doesn't Ellen have enough to do, not to mention the fact she already makes a TON of money??? Sooooo many other people they could have chosen. I like her, but Idol??? No way. I don't want to listen to her comedy on that show. She already messed up "So You Think You Can Dance" when she was a guest judge on that!
Take that Paula, Haha. That rocks. Totally better than Paula. And hey, Jerr, homosexuals are people too. You seem to be the one lacking class.
That decides it, I will pass on Idol this tear. The thought of that annoying voice and her stupid humor is more than I care to watch. What are her qualifications anyway?
It will interesting to see Ellen and Simon together.
DreamWebWriters
OK, I stand by what I've said all along... they did NOT need a replacement for Paula, they HAD one... and that is Kara. Four judges is too many, they only need three. So I thought it was stupid to add ANYone.
My initial reaction to Ellen replacing Paula? It was "What????" and re-thinking what I just said above about the number of judges.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Ellen... love her. But then I thought "What does she know about the music business? Why HER if you must have a 4th judge??"
Then I watched Ellen's statement in the video here in this article and she made sense. She will represent the record buying public and what they want to see and buy. I can see that.
But 4 judges??? No thanks. Oh well, good luck Ellen... I still love ya.
I think its a great idea, I'm excited, I'm so glad Paula is gone.
I am also am a fan of Ellen, but when I heard about this, I was confused as to why she was chosen. However, after hearing her explanation I am now curious as to how she is going to voice out her opinion.