Ellen DeGeneres Interview With Ryan Seacrest About American Idol Judging

Are You Excited to See Ellen on American Idol?

September 10, 2009

Ellen DeGeneres announced yesterday that she will be replacing Paula Abdul as the fourth American Idol judge, and this morning she called in to Ryan Seacrest's radio show to chat about her new job. She opened up about why she thinks she's qualified to judge the singers, said she'll be friendly to the contestants, and also expressed her hope that Paula is OK with how everything turned out. It sounds like Ellen's ready to take on Paula's role as the "nice judge," so tell us — are you excited to see Ellen on Idol?

Source: WireImage

27 Comments

3 years 36 weeks

Exactly what qualifies her to be a judge on a music talent show? Paula was a successful singer, songwriter, choreographer and producer. I'll take her goofy rambling over Ellen's smirking holier than though attitude any day.

care0531 3 years 36 weeks

I also didn't like it at first but I watched her show where she explained that she loves music and she never misses a show and that she is "the peoples" judge. She is not the judge to be technical with the performance but to give feed back based on what all of us are thinking as we watch it at home. I just hope she doesn't ramble and saves time for us to hear Simon. I actually think Simon should almost speak first but we all know he likes to have the last word.

care0531 3 years 36 weeks

I also didn't like it at first but I watched her show where she explained that she loves music and she never misses a show and that she is "the peoples" judge. She is not the judge to be technical with the performance but to give feed back based on what all of us are thinking as we watch it at home.I just hope she doesn't ramble and saves time for us to hear Simon. I actually think Simon should almost speak first but we all know he likes to have the last word.

megln1022 3 years 36 weeks

at first i thought it was weird cause she has no music connection, but really did paula add much music-wise? no she was there for entertainment. and ellen interacting with simon would be quite funny, so why not!

candygirl012 3 years 36 weeks

The show would be entertaining and funny. Never mind the music background, Simon, Kara and Randy would be still there!

3 years 36 weeks

I don't watch Ellen Show because I don't like what she stands for. I have been a faithful watcher of American Idol since it has started. I have voted hundred's of times. With Ellen on the show my family of 12 people will end watching American Idol. I wish Paula was still on there. She helped make the show where it is today. Ellen will ruin the ratings and the show. She has no talent, except comedy.

KrisB 3 years 36 weeks

Love Ellen she is hilarious but what qualifies her to judge someones singing ability. If Idol stops taking the music part of the show seriously no one will be watching.

3 years 36 weeks

Somewhere today she was quoted as saying she will have no problem telling Simon he's being mean. Whatever. That's SUPER useful in a judge and serves great purpose.

3 years 36 weeks

I like Ellen on HER show that is where she should stay. She was borderline obnoxious on SYTYCD. Why do they even need a 4th judge anyway? I think they should just stick with three. We don't want to hear what they say anyways we just want to hear the contestants sing.

Asche 3 years 36 weeks

I would like someone with actual singing capabilities.

sylvangirl 3 years 36 weeks

Weird choice. I love Ellen - she's incredibly funny - but I don't quite see turning a talent competition into a comedy fest as a good thing. I can't see how she and Simon will mix either. Paula has experience with the music industry. I'm not sure what helpful comments Ellen can provide. I don't like this choice.

3 years 36 weeks

Bonniebonnie, simon offers real advice? He has the same one liners that he has been using since season 1. "that sounds like karoake" , and "I heard better on a cruise ship" ... Simon Truely adds nothing to the show except for those lame one liners that stopped being funny the second season. Randy is another lame duck with his , "yo do, that was just aiight." and, "I liked the first half but the second was a little pitchy, dogg" Seriously! At least Paula gave good advice her last year ON AI .

3 years 36 weeks

blah... I officially just stopped watching... can't stand her

skigurl 3 years 36 weeks

this does not make a lick of sensei think this will ruin Idol and will ruin my love for Ellenthis is a bad bad fit

skigurl 3 years 36 weeks

this does not make a lick of sense i think this will ruin Idol and will ruin my love for Ellen this is a bad bad fit

3 years 36 weeks

Agree with #7. I was looking forward to her sit-in on SYTYCD (which was apparently her AI try-out). However, she added nothing and I'm surprised, based on that, that she got the AI job. She just used it as an opportunity to spout goofy comedy. And while I think she's a great comedian, it just didn't work as a guest judge when she was supposed to be offering a critique of the contestants. She also seemed to be unwilling to offer ANY negative commentary -- and even Paula went there when it was warranted. I get that Ellen wants to offer a fan's perspective to the judging table, but the fans are sometimes critical.

bonniebonnie 3 years 36 weeks

I pretty much agree with this anonymous person's post "Like her, but think this is an awful choice. She was terrible on So You Think You Can Dance. They need to bring in someone who is like Simon and can offer real concrete advice (after watching SYTYCD judges, I now have zero tolerance for AI judges phoning in their jobs)"

CoryEly 3 years 36 weeks

Yes!!!

CoryEly 3 years 36 weeks

Yes!!!

3 years 36 weeks

Like her, but think this is an awful choice. She was terrible on So You Think You Can Dance. They need to bring in someone who is like Simon and can offer real concrete advice (after watching SYTYCD judges, I now have zero tolerance for AI judges phoning in their jobs). Well, I guess I'll stop whining--I was already thinking I would give up on it this new season. This sealed it for me.

jaan_black 3 years 36 weeks

nope and I like Ellen but not even close to interested in this season past the stupid auditions...

3 years 36 weeks

no. I can't stand Ellen. the chemistry is going to suck between simon and Ellen. YUCK! I won't be watching anyway so whatever.

little k 3 years 36 weeks

Disappointing choice. No background in music. I could do as well as she. I'll miss Paula and cannot believe this is all for real. May not even watch the show.