Posted on 09/10/2009 6:58:58 AM PDT by Ol' Sparky
Talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres has been named as the fourth "American Idol" judge.
FOX announced this evening that Ellen will be joining Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson on the "American Idol" judging panel in the wake of Paula Abdul's departure. She will join the panel after the initial auditions, so I'm hoping that means she is there for Hollywood Week.
DeGeneres had this to say: "I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol. 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."
"I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the "American Idol" family," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can't wait for this next season to begin."
From the FOX press release: "A beloved television icon and entertainment pioneer, DeGeneres' distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. DeGeneres has made a home for herself in the daytime arena with her hit syndicated talk show, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.' The show, now entering its seventh season, won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host four years in a row and has earned a total of 29 Daytime Emmy Awards."
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.zap2it.com ...
Hmmm, mixed feelings here. Never watched the show, but for some strange reason, I do like Helen D.
Jump the Shark moment!
I never watch “American Idol” and I defintely won’t now; let the rest of the country drool over a has-been carpet chomper. There is always something good on the NFL Channel.
She is a bed wetting liberal Good person my A$$
I'm actually a lesbian trapped in a man's body. ;)
She has a good understanding of entertainment and performance. Her presence will change the focus of the show somewhat from a purely musical competition to one with perhaps a bit more showmanship and performance skills.
American Idol has been on the air for years and could use a little shaking up. Plus, she's funny and well liked by a lot of people (even if she's not a favorite to some FReepers ;0)
IMHO her presence will improve the program which is getting into a rut.
I think that use to be part of the appeal. I’ve watched every season and their bickering just got old. Paula’s ramblings make no sense and she is a bore to listen to.
Between the lose of Paula and adding Ellen, Idol will see about a 20% decline in viewership. Losing Paula made enough fans mad, and adding Ellen just made things worse. They would have been better just sticking with 3 judges.
Maybe they can get the judges to waterski over a shark ...
My husband and I have watched this show from the beginning and have really enjoyed it. We are tuning out this next season. Not only do we find Kara irritating, but the addition of Ellen takes away even more from the show. She comes across as a “nice” person (probably is) and I’m sure they are hoping that she will be the “Paula” to Simon’s gruffness. But it was a crazy dynamic between Paula and Simon and Randy that worked so well and gave the show the cheeze it so richly deserved. That’s all gone now.
Can’t stand watching the woman and change the channel anytime she appears. This kills any interest in watching AI (minimal interest to begin with).
My first thought is that this was FOX’s make up to the GAY community for Adam losing in the finals last year. They do not want to lose gay viewers who where pissed when he lost because all the family values fans voted against him.
Has none of the googly-eyed raving crazy appeal that Paula brought to the show.
And her "protected status" as a lesbian will prevent the others from attacking her opinions when she's being an ass. Even Simon will stow his barbs out of PC respect.
I think it’s time to go netactivist and keep pushing a boycott of American Idol for this. It bothered me when Disney lifted Degeneres up in “Finding Nemo” (she was Dora’s voice) and it bothers me that they are putting her on a “family friendly” show now. Time to actually change a minor pattern of behavior folks and let others know to do the same.
I will be happy if this tips American Idol and it loses it’s cache.
Ellen is a turn off to a large chunk of idol viewers. Stupid move. Even though Ellen is not an in your face type, she still does not represent the values of most viewers and they will see it as a slap in the face.
You almost wonder if Simon is sticking it to Paula in some way.
“See Paula, you are replacable, even by HELEN”
I wonder if she flirts with the female contestants? Geez. She has NO EXPERIENCE in the music business. Why didn’t they just put an athlete or a politician on there, same difference.
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