Celebrific » Ellen Degeneres

Idol’s 9th Life Takes New Twists

Kate Alvarez — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:13:08 +0000

America’s number one TV show, American Idol began its ninth season last Tuesday, and three notable changes have gotten everyone talking.

1. Paula’s out. She left the show before the ninth season began, sighting “contract negotiation problems.” Let me refer to that old saying, “You never really know what you got ‘til it’s gone” or something like that. We miss Paula Abdul’s good-hearted opinions and unintentional comic relief that Kara DioGuardi could never provide.

2. Ellen’s in. The talk show host is the official replacement of Paula, and although she has no background whatsoever in music (except maybe for her regular dance routines on her talk show), Ellen Degeneres promises to give “a layman’s point of view to the show.” It was disappointing though that she wasn’t part of the panel of judges during the initial audition rounds. Instead, guest judges such as Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Victoria Beckham, Neil Patrick Harris, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, and Katy Perry took the fourth seat.

3. Simon’s leaving. Yes, the infamous AI judge is taking a bow after this season to focus on the American version of X-Factor. Simon Cowell created the popular talent show for Britain, and now he’s taking it to the US. Simon will be busy producing and judging X-Factor for Fox in 2011. “I wanted to do something different,” he said. “I wanted a new challenge.” Will AI ever find a suitable replacement for the brutally honest judge? I doubt it. Other copycat reality talent shows have tried and failed.

AI fans, what do you think about Simon’s plans of ditching the show? Are you looking forward to Ellen as the new Paula?

Ellen: I’m Going To Be A Good Judge

Gina — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:34:38 +0000

Ellen Degeneres has spoken out in defense of herself. Lots of people have been saying that she is not exactly qualified to be a judge on American Idol, but the spunky talk show host said that she has always been judged, so she knows what it's like. For what it's worth, I think she'll do a great job.

Paula Makes Fun Of Ellen

Gina — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:31:51 +0000

Paula Abdul hosted the recent VH1 Divas and surprised everyone by poking fun at Ellen, her replacement on American Idol. She had this signature Ellen get up - blonde wig and jeans - and did an impersonation. Ellen tweeted that she doesn't mind at all. Why would she? She's the one who has the job, right?

Kara DioGuardi Excited About Ellen

Gina — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:45:04 +0000

I think ecstatic is the word that she used. After the news that Ellen is going to replace Paula Abdul on American Idol got out, the current sole female judge of the show expressed her sentiments on the turn of events. I wonder how they will get along?

Rosie O’Donnell Vouches For Ellen

Gina — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:38:39 +0000

Her shirt says she loves someone else, but Rosie O’Donnell predicts a rosy future for Ellen Degeneres as an American Idol judge (no pun intended). She said that Ellen would be much better than Paula, who “was often incoherent.” Well she’s right about the incoherent part, but that was also Paula’s charm, wasn’t it?

Ellen Degeneres: New AI Judge

Gina — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:05:04 +0000

Seems like Paula Abdul will really not be returning to American Idol. On Wednesday, Fox made an announcement regarding her “permanent” replacement: talk show host Ellen Degeneres. Simon Fuller is excited about it, and so is Ellen. Some critics say she is the wrong choice, I think she’ll do wonderfully. What do you think?

Ellen Pick On Aretha Franklin’s Hat

Gina — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:58:15 +0000

She’s not the only one! Apparently, a lot of people were spurred to write and say words about the First Lady of Soul’s hat on Inauguration Day. I am not surprised. While she sang wonderfully, that hat did provide an unwelcome distraction.