It seems everyone's a critic when it comes to Ellen DeGeneres replacing Paula Abdul as judge on 'American Idol.' Even in our poll, 61% said it was unfair to have a judge that's not music based. So on her talk show Tuesday, DeGeneres took the opportunity to confront her critics and defend the controversial decision, US Weekly reported.
"Apparently, there's a lot of debate going on right now whether I'm qualified or not to be the new judge on American Idol," she said. "I know there is a lot chatter. I'll tell you right now, how I know I'm going to be a great judge...I've spent my whole life being judged. So I know what it's like."
DeGeneres, who is openly gay, went on to explain why this quality is just as important as having a musical background. "So I will be kind. I will be compassionate. I will be empathetic, and I will be truthful. I will be an honest judge without being mean."
"But the things that people are saying," she said. "I thought America had moved past this. First, we have the first African American President. We've sworn in our first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice. I think American Idol is ready for their first blonde judge ... I do," she said, lightening the mood with her signature wit.
Paula Abdul performs as Ellen DeGeneres at the VH1 Divas show, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 in New York. DeGeneres replaced Abdul as a judge on "American Idol." (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Paula Abdul performs as Ellen DeGeneres at the VH1 Divas show, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 in New York. DeGeneres replaced Abdul as a judge on "American Idol." (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
AP
In this Monday, Sept. 14, 2009 photo, Dalton Sherman, 11, reads from a book passed down from his grandfather as he practices pronunciation in his Dallas home. He's been on Oprah Winfrey's and Ellen DeGeneres' talk shows. He's hobnobbed with Donald Trump, poet Maya Angelou and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and on Friday Sept. 18, 2009, Jenna Bush Hager will interview him on NBC's "Today" show in her broadcasting debut. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
AP
New American Idol Judge Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi on Melrose shopping at Max Field. Sept 11, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
IONU-Lins-Rafael/X17online.com
New American Idol Judge Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi on Melrose shopping at Max Field. Sept 11, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
IONU-Lins-Rafael/X17online.com
New American Idol Judge Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi on Melrose shopping at Max Field. Sept 11, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
IONU-Lins-Rafael/X17online.com
New American Idol Judge Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi on Melrose shopping at Max Field. Sept 11, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
IONU-Lins-Rafael/X17online.com
New American Idol Judge Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi on Melrose shopping at Max Field. Sept 11, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
IONU-Lins-Rafael/X17online.com
New American Idol Judge Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi on Melrose shopping at Max Field. Sept 11, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
IONU-Lins-Rafael/X17online.com
New American Idol Judge Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi on Melrose shopping at Max Field. Sept 11, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
IONU-Lins-Rafael/X17online.com
New American Idol Judge Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi on Melrose shopping at Max Field. Sept 11, 2009 X17online.com exclusive
IONU-Lins-Rafael/X17online.com
DeGeneres said she knew that "people would have opinions," but tried to ignore them. "I did not want to know what they were because, why should I take that stuff in?" she explained. "I try not to read anything ... nothing. I don't even read the back of a cereal box.
Despite the critics, DeGeneres added that she is still looking forward to joining 'Idol.' "I'm very excited to be on the show," she said. "I will tell you that right now. I just continue to be excited every single day."
And it seems there is no animosity between her and Abdul. On Abdul's spoof of her at VH1 Divas, DeGeneres joked, "I have nothing but love for you, too, Paula, but I want my wig back. I really do. Give it back."
She's even picked up a new dance move from the impersonation. "She did like a little pat of my butt. I've never patted my butt like that. Today I might try it...it's a new move...she's choreographer and I'm going to take that in."
You have to admit that having a new judge who is a host and a very funny comedian for a singing talent show is a bit different. It will be interesting to say the least. Maybe Ellen can bring something new to the show. We shall see.
Give Ellen a chance before condemning her abilities. Did we always agree with what the judges decided through the years on American Idol....NO....Give her a break and I am sure she will be as good as she is on her TV show. Anyway the final decision on the winner comes from the viewers. Idol is getting boring and this could be what is needed. I feel too many that put her down have their own hidden agenda.....Good for you Ellen.
Being judged on a talent show and being judged for being a lesbian are two totally different things. I don't dislike Ellen because she is a lesbian, I dislike her because I find her obnoxious and un-funny. She could have 12 boyfriends and I would feel the same about her. I think she was a very poor choice for AI and I probably won't watch it this season.
Sounds like you're judging to me. I find your comment pretty unfunny and obnoxious too. You are not being forced to watch any show you don't want to watch. Stop treating this like it's the end of the world as we know it. Same goes for the rest of you that think she's overexposed. If that's the case then let's get Ryan Seacrest off Idol and off American Top 40 and get him fired in LA too. So much hate and so little point.
AP - I'm not judging Ellen, I just don't like her, no hate involved either. I didn't imply that it was the end of the world, TV is not that important. As for your suggestion that I simply not watch, well, that is what I stated in my original post. What, exactly, is YOUR problem?
I totally agree. I cannot stand her. She is not funny, not because she is gay. I am tired of the gay card being played. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE HER THEN YOU ARE HOMOPHOBIC. I do not think I will watch American Idol anymore.
I don't think you necessarily have to have a judge that has musical backgrounds. Since we the people will be buying and voting I think the show needs this, because they've lost sight of what the average American listens to and wants to hear. Ellen will be perfect, she is in touch with the real world!!
Isn't it Ellen Degenerate? I suppose now only woman will be winning Idol. But who cares, more people sit on their fat asses watching BS than paying attention to this toilet bowl country our politicians got us into.
If anyone saw her as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, you'll know what to expect. That's why I'm not sure I'll be watching this year. I'll have to see what else is on at the same time.
You're right about over exposure...to much of even a good thing can be bad. Between her show and the cover girl commercial's I was already starting to suffer an Ellen burn out.
I like Ellen, and I'll watch to see how it turns out. But, I understand what you mean about overkill...I'm thanking my lucky stars daily that the new judge wasn't Rachel Ray!
Ellen's defense of her judging qualifications just aint a defense. She still is NOT a good choice to replace Paula, and she can choose to NOT take it personally. When the producers had an excellent chance to slip someone in with a valid music background they fumbled the ball.
As long as Simon don't leave we will be alright. Anything is better than Randy and that other bimbo that started last year. And by the way there is no way that Ryan Seacrest is worth what they said they are paying him.
To those who have been "faithful" fans of A/I, I can't believe that a replacement judge for Paula could cancel your loyalty to the show. Maybe the appreciation for A/L wasn't as strong as you thought. Once the finalists are chosen; do you REALLY think the judges influence the voters THAT much?? Good luck to Ellan!!!No reason why she should not work out just fine.
It seems everyone's a critic when it comes to Ellen DeGeneres replacing Paula Abdul as judge on 'American Idol.' Even in our poll, 61% said it was unfair to have a judge that's not music based. So on her talk show Tuesday, DeGeneres took the opportunity to confront her critics and defend the controversial decision, US Weekly reported.
Comments
(69)Add a comment
Tuesday 22 September
By sam
You have to admit that having a new judge who is a host and a very funny comedian for a singing talent show is a bit different. It will be interesting to say the least. Maybe Ellen can bring something new to the show. We shall see.
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By dave
ELLEN SUCKS !!!! End of Story
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By AP
Ellen is who Ellen is...would YOU make a better judge on national TV? That's what you need to ask yourself.
Tuesday 22 September
By Russ
Give Ellen a chance before condemning her abilities. Did we always agree with what the judges decided through the years on American Idol....NO....Give her a break and I am sure she will be as good as she is on her TV show. Anyway the final decision on the winner comes from the viewers. Idol is getting boring and this could be what is needed. I feel too many that put her down have their own hidden agenda.....Good for you Ellen.
Tuesday 22 September
By mommacat
Being judged on a talent show and being judged for being a lesbian are two totally different things. I don't dislike Ellen because she is a lesbian, I dislike her because I find her obnoxious and un-funny. She could have 12 boyfriends and I would feel the same about her. I think she was a very poor choice for AI and I probably won't watch it this season.
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By AP
Sounds like you're judging to me. I find your comment pretty unfunny and obnoxious too. You are not being forced to watch any show you don't want to watch. Stop treating this like it's the end of the world as we know it. Same goes for the rest of you that think she's overexposed. If that's the case then let's get Ryan Seacrest off Idol and off American Top 40 and get him fired in LA too. So much hate and so little point.
Tuesday 22 September
By mommacat
AP - I'm not judging Ellen, I just don't like her, no hate involved either. I didn't imply that it was the end of the world, TV is not that important. As for your suggestion that I simply not watch, well, that is what I stated in my original post. What, exactly, is YOUR problem?
Wednesday 23 September
By whatever
I totally agree. I cannot stand her. She is not funny, not because she is gay. I am tired of the gay card being played. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE HER THEN YOU ARE HOMOPHOBIC. I do not think I will watch American Idol anymore.
Tuesday 22 September
By NICOLE
I don't think you necessarily have to have a judge that has musical backgrounds. Since we the people will be buying and voting I think the show needs this, because they've lost sight of what the average American listens to and wants to hear. Ellen will be perfect, she is in touch with the real world!!
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By Nathaniel J. Wilcox
To the contrary, she is not in touch with ordinary people
Tuesday 22 September
By John Pontieri
Isn't it Ellen Degenerate? I suppose now only woman will be winning Idol. But who cares, more people sit on their fat asses watching BS than paying attention to this toilet bowl country our politicians got us into.
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By angie
sounds like you have serious issues dumbass
Thursday 24 September
By maris garcia
sounds to me like illiterate homophobe John P should be a judge, he'll keep it real
Tuesday 22 September
By Connie
If anyone saw her as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, you'll know what to expect. That's why I'm not sure I'll be watching this year. I'll have to see what else is on at the same time.
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By RL
There is such a thing as OVER EXPOSURE
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By Tresa
You're right about over exposure...to much of even a good thing can be bad. Between her show and the cover girl commercial's I was already starting to suffer an Ellen burn out.
Wednesday 23 September
By Heather in MN
I like Ellen, and I'll watch to see how it turns out. But, I understand what you mean about overkill...I'm thanking my lucky stars daily that the new judge wasn't Rachel Ray!
Tuesday 22 September
By jannykmac
Ellen's defense of her judging qualifications just aint a defense. She still is NOT a good choice to replace Paula, and she can choose to NOT take it personally. When the producers had an excellent chance to slip someone in with a valid music background they fumbled the ball.
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By sheila shaver
As long as Simon don't leave we will be alright. Anything is better than Randy and that other bimbo that started last year. And by the way there is no way that Ryan Seacrest is worth what they said they are paying him.
Reply
Tuesday 22 September
By lakerman
To those who have been "faithful" fans of A/I, I can't believe that a replacement judge for Paula could cancel your loyalty to the show. Maybe the appreciation for A/L wasn't as strong as you thought. Once the finalists are chosen; do you REALLY think the judges influence the voters THAT much?? Good luck to Ellan!!!No reason why she should not work out just fine.
Reply