Paula Abdul, one of the original judges from the popular TV show American Idol, officially announced a few months ago that she would not be returning to the show. Although some people thought that a new judge brought in last year, Kara DioGuardi, was replacing Abdul, that doesn't seem to be the case. It has been released that Ellen DeGeneres, popular talk show host, will become a fourth judge on the show, alongside DioGuardi, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson. "I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol," DeGeneres said Wednesday. "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." (CNN.com)DeGeneres will not be joining the judges until the new year, however, according to a Fox spokeswoman. Until DeGeneres takes the coveted American Idol judges seat in January, there will be some guest judges, including Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris will fill the empty slot, Fox said.
"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," said Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox.
The Emmy Award-winning talk show host faces the task of winning over Abdul’s supporters, many of whom believe that Abdul’s absence will completely alter the show. I think that it will definitely be different since Paula Abdul has left, but I’ve always liked Ellen. She seems very genuine and honest, which are good qualities for an American Idol judge to have.
What do you think? Was DeGeneres the right replacement? Should she just stick to what she’s done in the past, comedy and hosting her talk show?
Last little tidbit: here is Ellen DeGeneres' monologue from the 2007 Academy Awards. I thought it was interesting because she momentarily mentions American Idol in it.
Also, this is a funny clip, also from the Academy Awards, where Ellen meets Clint Eastwood, of whom she is a big fan.
