Ethan Miller/Getty Images
“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol,” said DeGeneres in a statement. ”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.”
Ha! We've always loved her sense of humor, and it will be nice to see a lady on board who can snap back with a witty retort at Simon instead of mumbling something incoherent. Sorry, Paula. You were great in your day, but even you must admit you weren't at your most lucid recently on the judging panel.
We can't wait to see how the dynamic is switched up on the show between judges. We have a feeling that Ellen will be a bit of a softie towards performers, and that's OK--sometimes the aspiring singers need some kind encouragement. What we are a bit puzzled by, however, is the fact that Ellen has absolutely no background in the music biz. Surely she knows about charisma, stage presence, and even how to dance, but will DeGeneres know an amazing future pop singer when she sees one? We're sure she's gotten familiar with young talents by having many stars as guests on her talk show. The comedienne also claims she has not missed one episode of Idol since it began airing. "Hopefully I'm the people's point of view because I'm just like you," says DeGeneres. "I sit at home and I watch it…I'm not looking at it in a critical way from the producer's mind. I'm looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person. So I’m hopefully going to be that voice of what we’re all doing at home.” "American Idol" creator/executive producer Simon Fuller says, "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." We have to agree!
What do you think about the addition of Ellen DeGeneres to the "American Idol" judges panel? [People][EW]
