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Ellen DeGeneres Named Paula Abdul’s Replacement On Fox's AMERICAN IDOL!!

Published at:  Sep 10, 2009 12:19:21 AM CDT

I am – Hercules!!

Comedian and talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres will replace departed pop vocalist Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on “American Idol.” She’ll join fellow judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi when the show resumes in January.

DeGeneres is contracted to continue her daytime chat show until 2014.

Guest judges during the show’s Abdul-free summer auditions have included Neil Patrick Harris, Kristin Chenoweth, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Shania Twain, Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige and Joe Jonas.

Find all of Variety’s story on the matter here.




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    Readers Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:24:33 AM CDT

    Count of hands

    by danielplainviewonvacationinboston

    Who here cares? No one? Didn't think so. I'm sorry, but American Idol is just. . . turd.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:25:29 AM CDT

    But, in regards to the story

    by danielplainviewonvacationinboston

    Why Ellen? She has her own show already. Just seems like a circle jerk all around.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:29:29 AM CDT

    Well, at least she's coherent.

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:31:28 AM CDT

    No more AI

    by butbadger

    for me. I hate her and I will not watch anything that she is in. Except for Portia DiRossi. If Ellen is in her, I'll watch.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:39:52 AM CDT

    DanielPlainviewOnVacationInBoston

    by codymr

    I agree. "Turd" with a capitol "T".

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:41:49 AM CDT

    damn...

    by codymr

    a capital "T" as well.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:52:18 AM CDT

    That's Gay

    by thefofo

    haha, no, thats cool. She will probably dance like Paula did.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:54:53 AM CDT

    So many gays on TV

    by lockesbrokenleg

    Gay parade.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:00:35 AM CDT

    Dumbest move ever

    by jinxo

    First off, I like Ellen Degeneres. I think she's a funny comic. But this is the worst idea ever. Total mismatch.

    American Idol is a singing show that is insanely content heavy. With three judges talking it was hard to fit in critiques and performances. Ellen Degeneres is in no way, shape or form an expert on singing. Her criticisms are not going to be as focused and on point as someone from the music industry. She is clearly being brought in to add some lightness and humor. So amusing critiques. I hate that. On top of that her humor isn't based on quick sharp comments. Her comedy is all about rambling train of thought commentary. Again, they can barely fit all the content into the time allotted the show already. Now with four judges and Ellen doing her thing... there's no time.

    The proof for me was Ellen guest judging on So You Think You Can Dance. She didn't have on point comments on the dancing. It was mostly just, "Good job!" level comments dressed up in comedy banter. Again, I like Ellen but I was soooo annoyed. Watching the show for the dancing and to hear the judges really analyzing the kids and every time it got to Ellen what the show was really about got put on hold so Ellen could be amusing. I was just yelling, "Get on with it!!!" I see American Idol going the same way.

    This just doesn't make sense with what the show is supposed to be. Jump that shark, American Idol!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:01:24 AM CDT

    Portia De Rossi is hawwwwwt!

    by nj13guy

    had to say it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:04:53 AM CDT

    erience!! Thank you!! Ugh.

    by geeko2000

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:05:00 AM CDT

    Eh, could make the show funnier.

    by mistergreen

    The show has gotten a little stale. You got the gay guy on stage yakking about something or another, you got 'DOG, DOG, DOG', you got and 'That was a pile of trash'. It was a little monotonous.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:07:03 AM CDT

    lockesbrokenleg: How many gays on TV? I can count on my Hands.

    by mistergreen

    Get over it you closet homo.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:21:33 AM CDT

    Here's what's fucked up

    by mr spork

    I've seen clips of British reality shows on the internet and they have hot women judges.

    We get godddamn Paula Abdul and Sharon Osbourne.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:25:53 AM CDT

    Lol, I was just kidding, jeesh

    by lockesbrokenleg

    Oh well, she's just one more freak on Idol.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:28:50 AM CDT

    huh?

    by shakes

    I'm kind of drunk right now, but am I really seeing this. Ellen is the new AI judge? wow

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:30:37 AM CDT

    and

    by shakes

    and her daytime show is contracted til 2014? What? 5 years, that's more than Home Improvement got. It's still 2009 right?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:33:30 AM CDT

    I love it.

    by paragoncomplex

    I love it personally. My dearly departed mother and I watched American Idol together, and she was also a big fan of Ellen. I like it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:34:18 AM CDT

    I thought this site was about cool news.

    by charger

    This falls more under the categories "So what?" or "... and I care because..?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:42:08 AM CDT

    DeGeneres is blander than Jay Leno

    by borock_a_boomer

    She makes dykes boring

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 2:08:44 AM CDT

    Where's the Glee talkback?

    by lockesbrokenleg

    This fucker is hotter than Twilight on its period

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 2:32:05 AM CDT

    Ellen seems nice

    by dr. butthole

    I would like to meet her. Don't get why she'd be a good judge on a music show, though. They need Geri Halliwell. She's the hotness.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 2:36:49 AM CDT

    Glad I don't watch it.

    by banditmania

  • Sep 10, 2009 2:42:01 AM CDT

    If they wanted spectacular ratings

    by xiphos_2

    they should have put Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Shania Twain on the same panel in skimpy clothes/lingerie.If they wanted the greatest night of TV ratings ever in the history of television by a factor of 100, Fox should have offered them any amount of money to nude up or nude up and lez out. I guess Ellen is a good choice also or not, don't know, don't care, don't watch AI.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 3:12:50 AM CDT

    Should have chosen Jennifer Lopez

    by mr. profit

    Say what you will, but she was probably the best celebrity mentor the show had. She offered valid constructive criticism and even offered good advice. That episode changed my perception of her. Sure she isn't the greatest singer, but she is an excellent dancer, just like Paula. That sort of switch would have sat well with me. Also Kara should have been fired after 1 season. Bitch is awful.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 3:13:42 AM CDT

    we could have had NPH? damn....

    by smackfu

  • Sep 10, 2009 3:18:38 AM CDT

    BLANDNESS INCARNATE + NO MUSIC EXPERIENCE

    by mullah omar

    Makes sense to nobody.


    Ellen Degeneres will make Paula Abdul look exciting and knowledgeable in retrospect. Hard to imagine, but true.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 3:38:42 AM CDT

    OH GOD PLEASE NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

    by umaga

    All I watch is the terrible audiences and I can't even watch them now that Ellen is hosting. I HATE that woman. She's seriously one of the most unfunny people I think I have ever seen. I don't fucking care about you dancing in your bell bottoms bitch. And my friend and his mom think she's hilarious. WHY?! FUCK THAT NOISE.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 4:29:05 AM CDT

    WOW!!!

    by scumcock

    COOLEST NEWS EVER!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 4:34:59 AM CDT

    Getting her to judge singing is like

    by drunkymclush

    getting a retard to judge a math contest.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 5:25:53 AM CDT

    Don't think she will be a strong fit.

    by burnednotice_dude

    Nothing against her personally. I just don't find her funny and I think she will try to hard to fit into the show. Maybe AI should have a rotating set of judges the upcoming year. Find the best one that has chemistry and keep him/her for next season.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 5:46:56 AM CDT

    HA I Posted This One Last Night, Herc

    by my_iq_is_135

  • Sep 10, 2009 5:48:59 AM CDT

    THERE IS A GOD!!!!

    by karl childers

    My wife was so pissed about this news that she vowed NOT to watch AI this season! Maybe now I will get laid more often!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 8:21:00 AM CDT

    As if there weren't enough reasons to NOT watch...

    by cletus van damme

    ...here's the last coffin nail.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 9:06:23 AM CDT

    Wait, so her contract for her talk show goes to 2014?

    by jettl93

    jesus thats one long ass contract, when did she sign it?

    is her show even that popular?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 9:37:26 AM CDT

    Makes more sense than Kirstie Alley joining the show

    by big jim

    but not by much. You would think, if they were going to put a seemingly unqualified celebrity in Paula's seat, they would pick someone who might bring in a demographic they are not already getting. I'd say the majority of fans of Ellen's show also watch AI. They could have courted the geek demographic by hiring Katee Sackhoff. How many here would watch it then?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 9:40:14 AM CDT

    So off the wall

    by rosebudsstarfish

    Exactly what is her experience within the music industry....she owns an Ipod? In that case, make me the the CEO of Toyota because my wife drives a Rav4.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 9:43:36 AM CDT

    Paula Abdul

    by johnnyangel

    The only thing interesting about Paula Abdul was seeing if she could make it through an entire episode without falling out of her chair. But that WAS pretty interesting. Don't think Ellen is going to be an improvement. She's too nice.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 9:44:45 AM CDT

    Snarky bitch needed

    by johnnyangel

    A female Simon Cowell. Make those wannabes cry for my amusement.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 9:55:48 AM CDT

    Deal with it people! American Idol is not going away

    by aliendragqueen

    any time soon. Mostly because retarded fucking idiots with no cultural taste who follow anything that is popular will not be going away any time soon.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 10:02:19 AM CDT

    WHY NOT THE "WEAKEST LINK" CHICK?

    by mullah omar

    She and Simon could try to out-belittle contestants.


    Of course if they unleashed this kind of combined fury they'd also have to a judge with experience in suicide counseling.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 10:48:26 AM CDT

    What are her qualifications for judging a singing contest?

    by royston lodge

    'nuff said.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 10:53:02 AM CDT

    Belinda Carlisle would've been perfect

    by jonsnow

    She is watchable and can dance and sing like Paula She would've been the obvious replacement if Fox didn't want to loose fans with this boring choice.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 10:58:35 AM CDT

    Agree fire Kara

    by jonsnow

    I stoped watching after a few episodes after they hired her. Yes Lopez or Carlisle are both good choices. Won't be watching for sure this season, so won't millions of other fans.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 11:25:03 AM CDT

    Kristin Chenoweth

    by palewook

    damn wish i had known she was on, nah nevermind, its reality tv and i wouldn't have watched it. never watched this show and not about to start, even for 1 episode.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 11:41:59 AM CDT

    Ellen Makes My Penis Soft....

    by jews4jesus

    Seriously! Ellen, Rosie, and Whoopie are like the perfect Dike trifecta

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:01:40 PM CDT

    They should replace Paula Abdul with...

    by cheyne_stoking_dms

    ...Al Bundy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:03:20 PM CDT

    I don't think Whoopie has an orientation...

    by cheyne_stoking_dms

    Do Water Buffaloes have sexual orientations?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:11:43 PM CDT

    Replace Paula with Samuel L Jackson!

    by jews4jesus

    "MNNNN MNNNN BBBIITTTTCCCCHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:23:04 PM CDT

    "Get off the stage, Motherfucker!" - Samuel L. Jackson.

    by cheyne_stoking_dms

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:23:34 PM CDT

    That'd actually be my new fav show.

    by cheyne_stoking_dms

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:25:47 PM CDT

    He'd refer to Simon Cowell as "Ringo."

    by cheyne_stoking_dms

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:33:19 PM CDT

    They already knew not a single straight guy was watching

    by snowdogs

    So they figured they'd shore up their target audience. Might as well add Rosie O'Donnell as a host too.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:42:54 PM CDT

    HERC is officially gayer than Ellen Degenerate

    by stabby

    But, I'm glad he posted this because now I don't have to go over to EW to get my AI hate fix.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:46:03 PM CDT

    Ellen Degenerate stole her act from Bob Newhart!

    by stabby

    It's true, think about it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:46:58 PM CDT

    They should have got that dude whose dating Lindsay

    by stabby

    Lohan instead.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 12:49:26 PM CDT

    I'm just puking in my mouth thinking about Ellen doing

    by stabby

    her white people dance with Kara while the contestants sing.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:02:12 PM CDT

    mistergreen, you must be Shiva

    by stabby

    Because there are a lot of gays on tv.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:42:53 PM CDT

    Don't do it Ellen!

    by felwithe

    Come on, you're actually talented. You don't need the money that bad do you?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 1:47:58 PM CDT

    If every episode features an Ellen meltdown

    by stabby

    puppy swapping style then I'm there. If not, not so much.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 2:08:45 PM CDT

    REGIS WAS ROBBED

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • Sep 10, 2009 2:26:49 PM CDT

    Glee's S1ep1 was not as snappy as the Pilot

    by mistergreen

  • Sep 10, 2009 2:28:57 PM CDT

    Stabby: Name them

    by mistergreen

    we'll see if your list is 'a lot'.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 2:44:31 PM CDT

    mistergreen...

    by jews4jesus

    why so serious?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 3:47:53 PM CDT

    Hmm

    by toshiroshimura

    Not that I watch this crap, but what do Ellen, Avril, Katy Perry and a Jonas Brother (I'm assuming) have to do with music? Ok, at least the last 3 are in the industry, What does Ellen know about music? Is she behind all those great Lady Gaga hits on the radio? If so, let's lynch her

    Reply to Talkback







  • Ellen
    Rosie O’Donnell
    Guy from Project Runway
    Black guy from America’s Next Top Model
    Doogie Howser
    Guy from Flipping Out
    Tila Tequila
    Gay guy from Best Week Ever
    Rachel Maddow
    Vanessa Williams Personal Assistant on Ugly Betty
    Sulu, George Takei







    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 3:58:52 PM CDT

    American Idol is dung.

    by darthcorleone

  • Sep 10, 2009 4:36:11 PM CDT

    Who cares?

    by rassmguy

    It's just another stupid reality show. Why this site covers it is beyond me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 5:33:35 PM CDT

    mistergreen: In addition to Stabby's list

    by onenil

    Quite a list of them here...
    www.gaycityusa.com/celebrities.htm

    Aiken, Clay
    Barker, Clive
    Barrowman, John (Torchwood)
    Bass, Lance
    Bearse, Amanda (Married W/ Children)
    Cooper, Anderson
    Dick, Andy
    Etheridge, Melissa
    Everett, Rupert
    Fergie
    Fierstein, Harvey
    Foster, Jodi
    Gilbert, Sara
    Hilton, Perez
    John, Elton
    Knight, T.R.
    Lambert, Adam
    McKellen, Sir Ian
    Nixon, Cynthia
    Orman, Suze
    Sykes, Wanda

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 10, 2009 6:23:23 PM CDT

    none of those are on TV

    by adelai niska

  • Sep 10, 2009 8:45:03 PM CDT

    anderson cooper is gay?

    by soup74

    i guess its obvious, i just never realized it before. not that theres anything wrong with that..

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 11, 2009 2:10:41 AM CDT

    Randy Yo Dawg Gay as a French Horn

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • Sep 11, 2009 3:29:26 AM CDT

    Ellen couldn't lick Kurt Sutter's balls

    by dead snoopy

    ....and god knows she could use the work.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 11, 2009 9:47:56 AM CDT

    lockesbrokenleg (Glee threadjacking)

    by truelies

    AI has people I don't know singing and it's crap.

    Glee has people I don't know singing and it's very, very good.


    Jane Lynch should buy a car a week for the writers: "That was the most offensive thing I've seen in 20 years of teaching, and that includes an elementary school production of 'Hair'"

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 11, 2009 11:59:10 AM CDT

    because American Idol wasn't gay enough already

    by muki

    btw, Simon Cowell's not gay, but I bet he helps them out when they're busy!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 11, 2009 12:28:32 PM CDT

    She'll bring the "layman's touch." Meh.

    by annoyyou

    Obviously they wanted to mix it up again this year because DiGiarmo or whatever her name is only promoted strife which made the shows run over last season. Degeneres' presence is a bid to shore up the sliding ratings and flagging audience attention. Yeah, just see if Simon can make any lesbian jokes with her! Har har. She'll also stick to her "I may not know music but I know what I like!" line throughout the season, which will cause the unwashed no-taste masses to identify with her. I usually only watch the first few train-wrecky episodes anyway, and I don't think she's on those. Maybe I'll tune in later; probably not.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 11, 2009 2:03:43 PM CDT

    and thus, the shark has been jumped

    by v1cious

  • Sep 11, 2009 2:32:00 PM CDT

    Girls like Glee, men think it sucks. The End.

    by lockesbrokenleg

  • Sep 11, 2009 2:37:04 PM CDT

    How can the shark be jumped...

    by rassmguy

    ...on a freakin' reality show? This show was pointless to begin with, as is all coverage of it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 12, 2009 1:32:40 AM CDT

    all that and a bag of chips

    by tgmee

    Love Ellen.

    The best line in Glee was when the school counselor told the lead Glee girl that when she was older she'd be happy she didn't have a gag reflex. Priceless.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 12, 2009 9:55:12 AM CDT

    Idol has officially jumped the shark

    by rene_belloq_12inch_figure

    unfunny bitch.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Sep 12, 2009 8:09:42 PM CDT

    I heard Ellen can suck her own dick.

    by cheyne_stoking_dms

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