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February 9th, 2010
06:26 PM ET
Ellen on Simon: 'He's a smart guy'
 testing captions Ellen DeGeneres downplayed reports that she has beef with fellow “Idol” judge Simon Cowell. The newest judge on the block spoke with the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, Tuesday morning on his radio show and had nice words about the notoriously critical Brit. "I think he's a funny guy and I think he's a smart guy," she said before going on to joke that “I like Simon. I like him on Wednesdays I think. I can’t remember which day I like him.” The comic/talk show host acknowledged that she and Cowell have different styles and approaches to judging the contestants who aspire to not only win the title of “American Idol,” but also have a career in music. "[Simon’s] gonna be a challenge,” she said. “He's Simon and I'm me and we're both are completely different people and so I think it’s going to be, as they say, good television.” The Hollywood shows, which will run for two weeks, will be followed by the semi-finals when “Idol” goes live and viewers have the opportunity to vote. DeGeneres said she can’t wait. “I love being live,”she said. “That’s sort of where I thrive.” |
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it seems a little premature to judge Ellen after only one episode. I know that there are always first impressions, but I am trying ot keep an open mind at this point.
The next judge should be Aretha Franklin.
It seems a little premature to judge Ellen already. We've only seen her in one episode.
Hey Pallo,
Somebody needs a timeout! Here is a cookie, go to bed little boy!
I have watched Idol with my wife since day one. There will always be ups and downs with ANY show from time to time. It is entertainment for the goods and the bads. Each panel member also has their ups and downs just like everyone who watches the show. Howard does not know the English language because he fails to use it. It is just a way to get attention from the people who also don't use the English language properly. Idol will continue, please leave Stern where he is.
For what it's worth....here is my two cents on Ellen and Howard Stern. First of all...Ellen, although she is not in the music business will bring something to Idol that is greatly needed. She is honest, but not in a demeaning way. She has a lot of experience in the entertainment industry; therefore, I believe her expertise will be of value.
As for Howard Stern.....you can't be serious! He is a no talent, obnoxious jerk...and I have been an Idol fan since the show's inception but if Stern climbs aboard, I'm out!
I realize Simon wants to do other things...but I'm sure FOX can find an adequate replacement for him...
If "Ellen is like flowers in the springtime" I'll be glad when winter comes and she fades away!
I think Ellen's funny stuff is irrelevant to Idol. Ultimately it is important to have judges like Randy, Kara and Simon that know what it takes to make it in the music biz. Love her or hate her, Posh Beckham knows about this. Ellen does not. Poor choice in my opinion.
I was quite pleasantly surprised by Ellen's first show last night. Is she qualified to be a judge of a musical competition? No. Thank God Simon is still there. Howard Stern will be great when Fox decides to come out with American Strippers, The Big Silver Pole. He would be able to say things like, "are those real"?, or "come over here, let me see those". If the rumors are true about Howard replacing Simon, it only shows how desperate Fox is to keep this dying show on life support alive.
Ellen did a great job. She was funny and she gave good critique to the contestants. You don't have to "be in the business" to know what sounds good. I don't think Howard Stern will replace Simon, I think that is just publicity and nothing else. TPTB at AI aren't that stupid. The show will tank with Howard Stern.
This show could pick judges from the audience every week, and the judging would be just as valid, to me.
Money drives everything. Everybody is getting paid. That's all that matters here. As long as America is happy with having a high school "talent show" determine what is good music, that's what we'll have. Every freakin year another bunch of wannabees on parade. So who really cares who the judges are? As long as viewers are entertained... Ratings continue.
Which one of the judges has the credentials to tell me what good music is? Answer: none of them. Opinions are like rear ends. Most everybody's got one. Me, too.
Just, please don't attach any particular significance to the "credentials" of the so-called judges.
Dear Terry Ohio, evidently you think you have the perfect family because you shelter them from the truth and current events. I feel sorry for your kids, they will be in for a shocker when they go to College when anything goes and if they can't handle it, people will chew em up and spit em out. Ellen is a great addition to the show – have you ever watched her – the Lord would want you to give her a chance before establishing an opinion.
FOX's hiring of Ellen DeGeneres was an absolute STROKE OF GENIUS!!!! She is without a doubt the FUNNIEST COMEDIAN in the circuit today! She even has Simon smiling and waiting for the "next joke"! If they let Ellen judge the beginning talent episodes, the laughter would never have ended! We'd still be in week one! Anyone who takes "American Idol" too seriously has pbviously NOT been paying too much attention to the show. America will vote who is the next Idol, until then, sit back and enjoy Ellen's comedy! I love it!
Just accept Ellen for who she is, not for what she is not.
I had decided not to watch AI this season – overdosed on it after so many seasons, and Kara pretty much killed it last year: she added nothing to the show, was a negative in my opinion. Then, of course, they announced Ellen was joining, and I had to tune in just to see how it went, and I was pleasantly surprised not only with her honesty and wit but with her insight, and I liked the way she handled the contestants overall, with a little more respect and dignity, which I feel has been lacking in recent years. But let me say, if Stern is brought in, no way will I watch – the man is a pig, and a disgusting excuse for a human being.
Hey Pallo, you think it just might be you?
I don't believe that she can really say much when it comes to singing as she has no experience singing, but she brings something else to the judging: She's been on television and has a show and what not. She knows what it's like to be in the spot light and can judge if a person can handle it or not. Also, she can speak for the average person who watches the show on whether they like the way a person sings or not.
She's funny and fresh, and I'm glad she's on the show. I will not, however, be watching the show when Simon is off.
Rather have 25 Ellens than 1 Stern. He's belongs on a farm with the rest of the animals
Ellen has experience in show biz, so while she doesn't have expertise in vocals ... she can certainly lend something of value to the contestants. Hang in there all ... you never know how the season will go. By the way, there were a few good gems on the stage last night. It may prove to be much more exciting than last season.
Dear Amy, I think Ellen is the perfect roll model for your children, She sure has all the attributes any mother would want for their own daughter, money,fame, a steady girl friend, a big house, cars, fine clothes! What more could a mother ask for, grandchildren? Your'e tremendous, have a wonderful day!
Ellen is okay but I've grown weary of her. The only "Idol" I typically watch are the audition shows prior to the airing of the real deal for the huge humor factor. I don't think Ellen is qualified to judge anything musical. If this show is to continue after this season, get some credible judges – in the music biz.
Someone just commented that it doesn't matter if someone has musical training or a musical background to judge. From one who has a lot of musical training, let me just say this: YES, IT DOES MATTER! How do you think so many people got into the industry who totally suck and can barely carry a tune? Because record label signers and the like see something else in the incumbent "talent" that just might sell. It doesn't, however, mean that these singers actually know what they're doing or even know how to sing. The voice is an instrument, just like the piano, guitair, or any other instrument. You either can play it well, or you can't. You either have the true talent for it, or you don't. And often, it takes a musician to determine whether another "musician" is good or not.
let's get rid of them all and allow KING STERN take this show over...
I really enjoyed last night's Idol. I just wish they would focus more on the kids trying to make it in the music industry and less on their backgrounds. The time for the backgrounds is when they move on. I watch idol because of the music, not because of where someone came from. I think Ellen was funny right from the start and she's there representing the fans, like me, with "no musical" background, but I do know what sounds good and what sounds bad. I LOVE Idol!
I quit watching the show when they dropped Paula....not a fan of Ellen's so the show already lost me and if rumors are true about them trying to replace Simon with the "most vulgar man" on the planet, Stern, then write the show off quickly as the "average" folks will quit watching immediately.......Should have kept Paula....she was glue that held show together.....sad....as it was my favorite show.
Sorry to break the hearts of the Howard Stern haters, but Fox will not care if you, as a viewing audience, discontinue watching the show. The amount of new viewers the show will pick up will make up for and probably better the amount they may lose. He brought over 3 million people to Sirius...he'll do the same for Idol.
Ellen seemed to do a good job,honest,nice person.Kara is just a phony.As for Stern,he's a true putz .When Simon leaves Idol,I'm 1 less viewer.
Hey, terry ohio, did I read that correctly? Ellen is a dark, empty person? And I suppose by the great thinkers, statesmen, and inventors you previously watched on American Idol, you are referring to Paula Abdul? I have never heard Ellen say anything rude, dark, or inappropriate–her humor is certainly G-rated (as I recall, she was even the voice of Dory in DIsney's Finding Nemo). You may not care for her sense of humor, but there is certainly nothing offensive in it–especially when you consider that she is sitting next to Simon Cowell! Yes, Ellen is exactly the sort of entertainer I'd like my kids to be watching–she's refreshing, funny, smart, loves animals, contributes to charities, and loves to dance. I wonder just who you do deem eligible to invite into your living room?
If they replace Simon with Howard Stern...that will definitely be the end of American Idol. Stern is such a jerk and so obnoxious...I don't even think he should have his own show!
Ellen is smart and tells it like it is. I'm glad she is on the show! She has a quick wit. For people who don't think she's funny...I guess you have a different view of the world...if you found her funny you'd enjoy life more. 😉
Ellen was great. She doesn't need a musical background.
It is American Idol those who vote do not all have a musical background. She brings whit to the show – good balance – nice replacement. Loved the guy that sang his own mix of the Paula Abdul song!
Give Howard a break... he too is like Simon... has alot of money and has a knack in the industry but no musical backround.. i dont think FOX would consider him if he was going to be his ol' vulgar self... it's FOX we're talking about here... i think he will be a good change for the show! i'll continue to watch it is Howard does become a judge!
TEAM HOWARD!!!!
Ellen brings a fresh outlook, she's going to be great for the show, Simon is brutally honest but unnecessary rude, Kara knows music and Randy is nice but he has got to expand his vocabulary some. I think it's going to be a good season and I'm looking forward to watching.
Ellen was fine on her first show. Producers made a wise move bringing in someone less scatter brained than Abdul, though I question the need to have 4 judges instead of 3.
The likelihood of Stern taking over for Cowell is really pretty small. He's crass, but he's got a sharp wit and that's not an easy thing to come by.
The whole american idol series is stupid.
Howard Stern is a wart on the entertainment industry. I will not watch Idol when he appears. He should be ashamed that he attempts to bring everyone down to his disgusting level.
Idol NEEDS Howard Stern!
Some people are so negative and discriminate, wake up for those who discriminate and have a life. Shame on you pallo, nitpicky and boring you folks need a life you are the ones who are boring and if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it.
I originally had my doubts about Ellen, but ended up really enjoying what she brought tothe show. Welcome, Ellen. You are a breath of fresh air to a show that was getting stale.
If Ellen isn't qualified to judge the musical talent, then neither is the rest of the country/world. And that would be the end of American Idol, wouldn't it?! I'm not necessarily a big Ellen fan, but she added some much needed levity to the group of judges, and I think she did a great job.
I think Ellen could be a great asset for Idol. It will take some time to get used to the "new" judge. I do miss Paula.
If Idol hires Howard Stern when Simon leaves, I won't be watching. Howard Stern is a jerk. He belittles women in general. This would not be a good move for a great show.
I thought Ellen was terrific. She fits in very well with everyone plus
I think she is very funny.
I watched Idol last night and will continue to do so. I do not however, like Ellen on the show so far. It appears that she is trying to gain attention with her half witted jokes that are not at all funny. She will do well if she just tones the jokes down some.
Ellen is great!
Simon looks like he's gained a few pounds (and not in the good way).
I do like Ellen but I do not think she has the qualifications to judge music. I don't think the show was missing comedy. That last thing someone wants when they're being rejected is a joke. I think people would feel better being rejected by someone that knew the industry. If they wanted someone funny and that could dance to a tune or two, I would've applied for the job and I'll be much cheaper! I feel the same way about Howard Stern. All they'll do is make people watch Simon's new show and Idol will fade away.
Whats the world coming to? We will not be watching Ellen, we have children and will not be inviting Ellen into our living room. We encourage our children to watch great thinkers,statesmen, inventers,etc. Ellen seems to be just such a dark, empty person that brings nothing of value to our society, I guess her appointment to the show, shows how low we are willing to stoop as a nation to be entertained. Is this really what you want for tour kids? Goodbye idol
You have to be smart and quick to really appreciate Ellen as her wit is as dry as it comes. Most people who have a problem with her have for other reasons. She's better TV than Paula strung out on pain killers struggling to utter a complete sentence in which the words actually belong together.
Howard Stern is a HUGE jerk. PLEASE don't consider him for a judge. He is an awful human being.
Ellen, as always is her fabulous self.
Her remarks were honest, thoughtful and offered with genuine wit . She's not unlike Simon in her assessments and I can see his response to her is warm, respectful and engaged.
I think she is a great addition as now the show will have more humor than before and I applaud American Idol for having the foresight to invite her on the show.
What I liked about AI as it used to be with Paula, Randy, and Simon...just the 3 of them....was that they all had a vast background in the music and entertainment business and they also had 3 distinct personalities and style for judging. Kara is ok but I think 4 judges muddles it all up. It also takes too much time away from the contestants.
Ellen is a personality but not someone whose opinion carries lots of weight. Ok...so my cousin Marge gets up there and judges this thing.....she has just as much experience as Ellen....which is zero.
Here is a good plan......keep Randy....ditch Ellen and Kara....bring back Paula and entice Simon to stay....and then you are ok......
or bring back Paula to replace Simon......what an idea?
I like Ellen but I think Idol has "jumped the shark". And, if they hire Stern, they've jumped it again.
I watched the show last night with Ellen's debut as the new judge and I have to say that her performance was fairly bad. A couple of her jokes hit well, but for the most part they were flat and her comments uninsiteful.
Maybe Ellen will grow into her role, but unless/until she does, I have to ask FOX what they were thinking hiring a comic to judge a singing show? What's next, a blind person to judge Miss America?
My husband was sorely disappointed when he heard Ellen was hired to take Paula's place. He's never watched her and shouldn't have had any opinion about her. Guess who was laughing the loudest last night? She doesn't have any musical education, but she doesn't need it. We have Simon for that. Randy is just regular old dawg with nothing new to add. Kara...you have got to go. You are attempting to be cool and you are embarrassing yourself. Katy Perry got it right. We've been wanting to throw a Coke in your face for a couple years now. Sing your new song.."Career on the ground, Career on the ground, Looking like a FOOL with your Career on the ground!"
I love Ellen on Idol. But, as a regular viewer, I'm here to tell you I WILL NOT WATCH IT IF HOWARD STERN BECOMES A JUDGE!!!!!!
Why do people criticize Ellen for not having a musical background? Anyone with an ear for music can determine whether someone has talent or not! Simon Cowell is not a musician either – just a really good business man with the cash to create such tv shows. If you watch Ellen's show – she CLEARLY loves music, can appreciate talent, and definitely has rhythm. She did not hire herself for this gig as a judge, so stop dissing her. If you don't like it, don't watch it! I personally prefer her over Paula, Randy, and the new gal.
I don't miss Paula at all. She was a distraction ... Ellen adds something fresh to a panel that must change things up to keep from growing stale. And even though Ellen isn't in the music business per se, she's a consumer and fan just like any of us, and if we're all calling and voting on who will be named the next American Idol, why can't she - a consumer and fan just like any of us - be involved in the process up front?
I love Ellen and am very glad that she is on the show. Yes, this is a music talent show, but it is also a "television show". It has to entertain us or we won't watch. Ellen is very entertaining...afterall, she is an entertainer. As for the rumors of Howard Stern replacing Simon...I will not watch. AI is my favorite show but I can with all honesty say that I will not watch it if Howard Stern is on there. He is vulgar, rude and just plain disgusting.
I miss PAULA 🙁
Ellen was more OK with Ellen than I thought I would be, BUT I agree with Gerri, i fhtey bring in Howard Stern I will not watch it again. I think he is gross and vulgar.
Personally, I was pleasantly surprised with Ellen last night. I thought I would hate it but...I thought she did good. Ditto on the Howard Stern..I will NEVER watch it again if they add him to the judging panel.
Ellen is like flowers in the springtime. She brings smiles to your face. She is also very smart or she would not be where she is in life.
I like Ellen. I like Simon. Could care less about the others. Howard is a TERRIBLE choice; and I really wouldn't watch it again. I didn't watch last season because it got old; but putting Ellen on there brought some new life to the "stage." And there are some people I am rooting for.....
Ellen is not funny at all, never has been never will be...
"Surely someone in the actual music industry would have been more qualified"
What, like Paula Abdul?
Hire Howard Stern. He would be great on the show.
Ellen??? I mean I would agree with most people here. she is a talk show host, and they made her a music contest judge? how credible is that?...atleast paula knew the business...ellen is just...uggghhhh
Go Pallo! well said !
Pallo...ARE YOU SERIOUS! Seriously PAULA ABDUL was a judge and aside from being a choreographer and having a small career in the 80's and 90's.
You say she has no musical anything, which you are right, but their "guest" judges don't either all the time.
Ellen was better than I expected. I am very happy Paula is gone. Her ramblings were distracting at best. If Howard Stern replaces Simon, the show will not last. The people who watch AI are not into crudeness.
I think alot of people are scared or jealous of a successful lesbian because they are ignorant. The show is not about the judges, we are the judges. Maybe if Americans weren't so homophobic they could really pick the best singers(not Chris Allen aka Jay Leno).
I wasn't sure if I would like Ellen as an Idol judge but after watching tonight, I think it was a good move. She is the kind of person who can critique someone in a way that makes them laugh at their own expense, without leaving the stage feeling hurt and used. The show is ultimately about the contestants and Ellen isn't using this as a platform to further her career. Even when she has artists on her show daily she doesn't try to steal the spotlight from them. Judging by the musicians she has on her show, I think she is qualified because she knows what people will like and buy.
Well, I don't know, Frank. That may hold true for some, but I know for an absolute fact, that as a die hard Idol fan, I would never, ever tune into idol again if Howard Stern were a judge. There would be no curiosity, no question mark, no anything for me, anyway. I would just wait for Simon's new show to air.
Funny how people always claim they "Will never watch a show again if..." But the fact is, that most and sometimes even more people do still watch (or listen as proved in Howards case) to see what he'll do or say next if for no other reason than to comment about that too. Sound like someone? Admitted is a little PG13 for this show.
Huh, I'm a little surprised at the comments here. I have not seen tonight's show yet so I will not yet judge (had to tape it), but a survey that I was just on had 79% of those taking it very happy with Ellen's Idol debut tonight. I'll watch it in the AM. We shall see......
I have watch Idol from the beginning..I will miss Simon and if Howard Stern is on the show, I will never watch it again. There's nothing about Stern that I would ever want see.
Ellen = Elf = Boring
I think the naysayers should wait a few shows longer before they diss Ellen. She will bring a lot of humor and insight to the show, and you just might be pleasantly surprised.
watching Ellen, who does not know the music industry, fight with Simon, who does, is not good television. It's annoying. Ellen gets a bit self-righteous with her white hat routine and I can just feel how tiring that's going to be already. DO NOT WANT.
I always enjoy ellen–she is a great talent. and i like her as person. as for simon, i enjoy watching him–i can not say i like him–but for the most part i usually agree with him. there will certainly be a huge hole when he leaves. i love ellen–i miss paula–but she was getting to be over the top.
What a talent!
......she is great!
Ellen is a jerk, and sorry but they lost a viewer hiring her...She is a nerd I don't think she is qualified to judge anyone and she is not funny...what was FOX thinking...Surely someone in the actual music industry would have been more qualified...And that other female is also a nut, Randy should get a new vocabulary, dawg.... and this show should grow up. Simon is the only one with brains, class, and honest and the contestants would do well to listen to him and then let us judge for ourselves. Get rid of Ellen and that other nut case.