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."
Spent her whole life being judged? Poor baby. And none of it was of her own doing by flaunting her sexuality? If you're gay--fine, but don't throw it up in people's faces. That's how she lost her first show. Being judged in life has absolutely nothing to do with judging singing talent. Everyone is judged every single day of their lives. Poor logic, Ellen. better yet, it's a BS excuse.
AP;;;;; I guess you have never seen any show where the EMCEE is not affiliated with the show? Well Bob Barker was NOT a contender for the Miss America, but WAS an EMCEE. Ryan is an MCEE not a J U D G E. Ellen Degenerate IS to be a J U D G E.I could not(and neither could you) in all fairness propose to be a J U D G E on that particular show either. (I know you). !!!!
...we all have a right for our opinions to be heard whether it is about politics or a judge on some television show...why not have America pick the next judge....
If they picked Ellen, there is a good reason. She will bring more humor to the show. She is great as a host and comedian and she can can probably put everyone at ease. It will be a great combination in my opinion. Ellen is funny no matter what anyone says and she is respectful. She is just an added feature to the show. Her personal life has nothing to do with her talent. Get real people! She will bring humor to the show as a woman in the celebrity mix. Go Ellen I couldn't care less about no-name opinion people.
Ellen has ears, so I guess she is as good as any of us would be. You go Ellen. You are a funny, classy, and entertaining individual. I think you will be great.
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::::::::::::Nathaniel J. Wilcox::::::::::::
To the contrary, she is not in touch with ordinary people >>>>>>>>>> And Paul Abdul was??? hahahahah
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Spent her whole life being judged? Poor baby. And none of it was of her own doing by flaunting her sexuality? If you're gay--fine, but don't throw it up in people's faces. That's how she lost her first show. Being judged in life has absolutely nothing to do with judging singing talent. Everyone is judged every single day of their lives. Poor logic, Ellen. better yet, it's a BS excuse.
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Gay bashing is FUN!!!!!!!!!
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AP;;;;; I guess you have never seen any show where the EMCEE is not affiliated with the show? Well Bob Barker was NOT a contender for the Miss America, but WAS an EMCEE. Ryan is an MCEE not a J U D G E. Ellen Degenerate IS to be a J U D G E.I could not(and neither could you) in all fairness propose to be a J U D G E on that particular show either. (I know you). !!!!
Reply
...we all have a right for our opinions to be heard whether it is about politics or a judge on some television show...why not have America pick the next judge....
Reply
If they picked Ellen, there is a good reason. She will bring more humor to the show. She is great as a host and comedian and she can can probably put everyone at ease. It will be a great combination in my opinion. Ellen is funny no matter what anyone says and she is respectful. She is just an added feature to the show. Her personal life has nothing to do with her talent. Get real people! She will bring humor to the show as a woman in the celebrity mix. Go Ellen I couldn't care less about no-name opinion people.
Reply
Ellen has ears, so I guess she is as good as any of us would be. You go Ellen. You are a funny, classy, and entertaining individual. I think you will be great.
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Is Ellen a top or a bottom? We have a right to know.
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I do believe greg is a bottom ellen can be anything she wants to be.she's a lady
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