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Ellen DeGeneres Hits High Notes on 'Idol' Debut
By Amber James Posted Feb 10th 2010 09:53AM
Ellen DeGeneres finally made her 'American Idol' debut on Tuesday night, sitting along side Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi at the judges' table. It was Hollywood week on 'Idol,' and DeGeneres proved from the get go that she was there to work and not overshadow the contestants. DeGeneres seems to be fitting in nicely, and she's been getting nothing but raves from critics. See what critics (and fans) are saying after the jump. >>
With DeGeneres now a part of the dysfunctional 'Idol' family, critics seem to be welcoming her with open arms. "Even if 'American Idol' ends this week, there will officially be an Ellen Era: in just one episode, new judge Ellen DeGeneres displayed why it's no stretch at all for her to step into Paula Abdul's chair. She was witty both in her embraces and her take-downs," The NY Times wrote.
Even critics who had doubts realized DeGeneres filled gaps that were clearly lacking at the 'Idol' judging table. "Although I initially thought she was a terrible choice (based on her spotlight-hogging star power, her conflict of interest and one astoundingly painful guest judge appearance on 'So You Think You Can Dance'), I can now say that Ellen DeGeneres is exactly what's been missing from the judge's table since the fourth season: Passion... Unlike Randy, Kara or Simon, Ellen treated her new gig as a job worth taking seriously," said MTV's Jim Cantiello.
DeGeneres acknowledged at the beginning of the episode that even though she wasn't a singer, she understood the pressure it takes to perform and entertain large audiences. The sincere remark made some forget about Paula Abdul completely. "She got to work being honest, but not brutally honest, lightening the mood when tension threatened to take over the room," Rolling Stone writes.
Of course, DeGeneres' humor still made its way into the room, which was probably a sigh of relief to some contestants stressed about making a great first impression during auditions. The Wall Street Journal liked DeGeneres' humor: "It is clear, at least from these scenes, that Ellen is taking her role seriously. With the last four contestants from day one on stage, Ellen asked one to step forward. Another stepped forward -- no, wait, back. The contestants are on edge. 'You, step a little to the left.' Ahhhhh, a joke! They were all through. Simon smirked, 'You sadist.' Joke rating: 8 out of 10."
Even fans sang their praises about her role. "Better then I thought she would be. Level headed, great judge so far," a PopEater Facebook fan wrote. Another fan agreed, "Ellen did a great job. I love her humor."
Surprisingly, many critics used DeGeneres' reviews to point out what the other judges lacked. "Breathe easy, America. She did fine. She's got a brain. She's got ears. She says funny things sometimes. Considering the caliber of 'American Idol' judges (other than Simon) that makes her Mozart. And now that there finally is someone on the panel who has something to offer. Kara really disappears into the woodwork; confirming what we all knew -- she's as useless as cufflinks on pants," Huffington Post's Ken Levine wrote.
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really like ellen. at first i was worried she'd be too funny. but she took it seriously and still got in her great sense of humor.
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So many were quick to dismiss her before she even appeared. The intelligent ones will admit they were wrong. The others will probably not even watch, assuming too much or being too stubborn. I had a feeling she'd do great and I reserved judgement--and I was right! She's the right mix, she's intelligent and honest, but not to the point of mashing the contestants into the ground. And she's funny, which adds more entertainment to the show. Bravo, Ellen. I hope people will continue to give you a chance.
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I hope she does not try to scare the contestants. That scaring a celebrity schitck has gotten old.
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Whattttttt????????? this is not my opinion :"Ellen DeGeneres Hits High Notes on 'Idol' Debut" Ho !!!! nooooooooo!!!!
Paula, Paula, Paula, Paula Yesssssssssss!!!!
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I thought Ellen was out of her league, and she was dull.
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Way to go Ellen, nice job, keep up the good work. I wish people would stop already with the lesbian jokes, good heavens, get over it. You have worked hard to be where you are at today and you deserve every bit of it. Thank you for being you. Sister, Carol
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I HAVE WATCHED EVERY SEASON OF IDOL,ELLEN KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT MUSIC,SO I AM DONE WITH IDOL.HELL,SHE CAN'T EVEN DANCE.
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SO dont watch it because Ellen cant sing or dance. Who cares. Can you sing or dance?? I doubt it, yet you can probably decide who you think can sing right?? Listening to someone sing isnt rocket science afterall its the people who cant sing ie the consumers that put the singers on the charts. Without listeners where would the singers be??? DUH
Dear Ellen: I need to let you know that I was very pleased with the professional manner in which you presented yourself on "American Idol" Tuesday night -- a mature woman, thoughtful and sensitive, who recognizes talent when she sees/hears it. Your humor and integrety came through loud and clear. I must admit, I was reluctant to tune in, not knowing whether the show would focus its attention to the flaunting of matters of sexuality. When Paula and Simon began to paw each other last season, for example, I and mine shut down our viewing. Regardless of sexual preferences, mature adults, especially those in the limelight, have a huge responsibility to set fine examples for our youth, without adding to their confusion. The respect I lost for you over the "dog event" has been regained. You are a beautiful young woman who has the power to inspire millions of young people to achieve their life's goals. I pray that you will handle that responsibillity well. Thank you.
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Great, and the gay pride movement goes on..she was raped and that is why she is gay. I feel for her, really, but being gay is not the answer. Iam pretty young and even when I was a kid..homosexuality was not really received well..as it shouldn't have been. The media is evil and spreads lies. Homosexuality is wrong, very wrong. I love gay people of course, I have had gay friends but it's not right. It's immoral. There is still AIDS out there you know. People will be judged. This all started with that Matthew Shepard case and that movie,Phillidelphia. No, gay people should not be treated badly, they should be loved and treated well like everyone else but that doesn't mean being gay is ok. That is the lie..that being gay is ok....there will be judgement...it's just a matter of time.
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Ellen did a great job.. She will be better than anyone expects.
This is such a great show.
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I thought Ellen was great... and anyone who might think shes underqualified is nuts!. after all... The majority of todays pop artists cant carry a tune anyways!(thanks to autotune) Its all about marketing... of course it takes a bit of talent for this particular show. that IS what they are looking for! however. anyone with any experience in the industry (film or music) knows that you HAVE to have a presence that can be sold. Im sure Ellen can handle that task... plus... shes funny! I think it will take a couple of shows for her to really find her stride.... but i think she will do just fine!
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The atmosphere between the judges seemed awkward and strained. I didn't think Ellen was funny or a good judge.
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I will not be watching American Idol anymore because of Ellen. She is a not fit to be a role model for teenagers.
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Ellen DeGeneres I will not watch any program or buy any product or service where Ellen DeGeneres is on that program. Ellen DeGeneres should just go away.
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If Howard Stern does American Idol I will never watch that show again. He's a dumb A-- and a filthy pig.........Stay where you are Stern, nobody wants you.
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ANGEL
I HAPPEN TO BE THE LEAD SINGER OF A VERY POPULAR ROCK BAND.WE PLAY SIX STATES AROUND THE COUNTRY SO I CAN SING AND DANCE.AS FAR AS ELLEN THEY MUGHT AS WLL GOT HOWARD STERN!!!!!!
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You go girl....
It has been fun watching you.
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Dianne Finnegan Wilson:
At what god are you praying for ellen ?
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Let the live shows start and then see what a disaster Ellen will be. The whole Hollywood round seems totally scripted and edited to make Ellen look good. How Lame.
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