Paula Abdul's quitting American Idol/Being Replaced by Ellen DeGeneres

[citizensnoopy]

Just saw the news at the People website. I will miss her nonsensical ramblings!

[RAIDER]

Good ..shes a utter waste of space

[DisneyPrincess21]

I would take Paula's antincts over Kara's face/voice any day, she really REALLY bothers me!!!!! And if any of you have read my post from this past AI season, i'm sure you already know exactly how i feel about Kara. I seriously dont think i will be able to stomach the show with her on it again this year. I had to mute the tv and look away last year whenever it was her turn to "speak" and agree with her own statements..grrrrr.

Give me wacky Paula and throw Kara and her smug little "i know everything" pursed lip face off the nearest cliff :thedolls:









Whew....Okay rage blackout.... I'm back...What are we talking about? J/K :D

[eam]

I would take Paula's antincts over Kara's face/voice any day, she really REALLY bothers me!!!!! And if any of you have read my post from this past AI season, i'm sure you already know exactly how i feel about Kara. I seriously dont think i will be able to stomach the show with her on it again this year. I had to mute the tv and look away last year whenever it was her turn to "speak" and agree with her own statements..grrrrr.

Give me wacky Paula and throw Kara and her smug little "i know everything" pursed lip face off the nearest cliff :thedolls:











Ditto!!

[JanetMegan]

I also much prefer Paula's funny stuff to Kara, ick.

[MNNHFLTX]

I still take this news with a grain of salt until the actual season starts up. Even if they begin the auditions without her, there's no reason that she couldn't come back into the middle of things if they can come to an agreement on her salary.

As blithering as she can be, I would still rather have her as a judge over Kara. I don't know--she (Kara) just rubs me the wrong way sometimes.

[citizensnoopy]

I wouldn't be surprised if this is all a publicity stunt.

[Mammabruski]

I quit watching last year because I dislike Kara so much.

I will never watch AI without Paula. Get rid of Kara!

[elmjimmlm]

I have liked Paula Abdul since I was in high school...I don't think that it will be the same without her...:(

[RedSoxFan]

I don't like Kara either. And I wonder if Paula does indeed not come back, if the ratings will go down. Doesn't sound to me that Kara is well liked by the fans.

[DisneyPrincess21]

I don't like Kara either. And I wonder if Paula does indeed not come back, if the ratings will go down. Doesn't sound to me that Kara is well liked by the fans.

I think that is pretty clear, Alot of the time last year whenever Kara would try to talk, the audience would boo her! LOL!!


:thedolls:HAHAHAHHA :thedolls:

[IamBelle]

When they brought Kara in last season, I had a feeling it was getting to be the end of Paula. The 4 judge thing just didn't work out, running over almost every night because they took too long critiquing the contestants. I agree that AI won't be the same, but I think Kara is more honest with the contestants and tells them what she thinks rather than saying to everyone "I think your outfit is great!" and not mentioning the singing as much.

[MNNHFLTX]

I think that is pretty clear, Alot of the time last year whenever Kara would try to talk, the audience would boo her! LOL!! I think American Idol can only have one judge that folks "love to hate" and that has always been Simon. As much as Paula was always a Pollyana with the contestants, she filled a niche in the judges panel.

[Pagan]

Apparently, Paula is as out of touch with reality as the rest of Hollywood.

She was offered $5 million to come back to AI next year.

She called it an "insult" and wanted $20 million.

Get real. Hope she ends up flipping burgers.

[MNNHFLTX]

Apparently, Paula is as out of touch with reality as the rest of Hollywood.

She was offered $5 million to come back to AI next year.

She called it an "insult" and wanted $20 million.

Get real. Hope she ends up flipping burgers.Well, to put it more in perspective--she has been receiving $2 million per year. Simon Cowell gets $36 million annually and Ryan Seacrest just got a $45 million deal for 3 years. (I could not find any mention of Randy Jackson's salary.) I doubt that Paula was thinking they would get the $20 million, but I'm sure they were shooting for more than $5 million.

I know those are some big numbers all-round, but I can't say I blame her for wanting more. She was getting paid tiddly-winks compared to some of the other cast members.

[Pagan]

Well, to put it more in perspective--she has been receiving $2 million per year. Simon Cowell gets $36 million annually and Ryan Seacrest just got a $45 million deal for 3 years. (I could not find any mention of Randy Jackson's salary.) I doubt that Paula was thinking they would get the $20 million, but I'm sure they were shooting for more than $5 million.

I know those are some big numbers all-round, but I can't say I blame her for wanting more. She was getting paid tiddly-winks compared to some of the other cast members.
Simon created the show. Of course he'll get the lion's share.

Put it in perspective. She sits there and judges people. What about that warrants $20 million a year, let alone $5 million?

[Jeff G]

Put it in perspective. She sits there and judges people. What about that warrants $20 million a year, let alone $5 million?


I agree that $5 million is a lot to sit and judge a show but there are those who enjoy the show because of Paula or tune in to see her antics. If AI can maintain the viewers without her the $5 million wasn't warranted but should they drop the lost advertising revenue may have warranted a larger pay day for her. Time will tell.

With Ryan Seecrest getting $15 mil per year what they offered Paula seems a little low.

[MNNHFLTX]

Simon created the show. Of course he'll get the lion's share.

Put it in perspective. She sits there and judges people. What about that warrants $20 million a year, let alone $5 million?Actually, Simon Fuller created the show, not Simon Cowell (although it does get confusing because Cowell's production company did create "America's Got Talent"). On American Idol he's just a judge, but with an exponentially higher salary. Reportedly Randy Jackson also draws significantly more in salary than Paula and all for saying "Yo dawg, I'm just not feelin' it" ?

Personally I think they are all fixtures on the show, having been with it from the beginning and I think ratings will suffer without Paula. I hate to say it, but she provided some of the classic (albeit unintended) humorous moments and quotes from the show.

[RAIDER]

Apparently, Paula is as out of touch with reality as the rest of Hollywood.

She was offered $5 million to come back to AI next year.

She called it an "insult" and wanted $20 million.

Get real. Hope she ends up flipping burgers.

:rotfl:

$5mill for having no opinion and not having the guts to say someone was awful to a contestant when they were clearly rubbish !
$5 mill for saying your make up looks nice or you have a nice dress ??:ack:

Come on USA surely you have someone more talented and intelligent to fill her place for $5 mill ?? ;)

And on that note on behalf of the British public
we apologise for SHARON OSBORNE and her daughter KELLY :thedolls:;)

[DisneyPrincess21]

When they brought Kara in last season, I had a feeling it was getting to be the end of Paula. The 4 judge thing just didn't work out, running over almost every night because they took too long critiquing the contestants. I agree that AI won't be the same, but I think Kara is more honest with the contestants and tells them what she thinks rather than saying to everyone "I think your outfit is great!" and not mentioning the singing as much.
I don't know how "honest" it is to pick the song for the contestant and then tell them it wasnt the "song for them" well then why did you pick that song for them to sing you ding bat!

[DisneyPrincess21]

I think American Idol can only have one judge that folks "love to hate" and that has always been Simon. As much as Paula was always a Pollyana with the contestants, she filled a niche in the judges panel.

I dont think anyone loves to hate Kara we just all literally hate her! Lol:thedolls:

[tinkerbelle75]

Apparently Victoria Beckam is the new judge....She can advise them on how to be a snob, I guess, but what the heck does she know about music? The Spice Girls were such a joke.:confused:

[MNNHFLTX]

Apparently Victoria Beckam is the new judge....She can advise them on how to be a snob, I guess, but what the heck does she know about music? The Spice Girls were such a joke.:confused:Seriously???? Why do they need four judges?

I am absolutely done with this show. :shake:


Edited to add note--I just looked this up and Victoria Beckham is signed up as a guest judge, not full-time, thank goodness!

[citizensnoopy]

They had enough trouble last season with running over the time slot each week --- it's better with just three judges.

[NotaGeek]

Apparently Victoria Beckam is the new judge....She can advise them on how to be a snob, I guess, but what the heck does she know about music? The Spice Girls were such a joke.:confused:
That's a bit harsh. VB knows about as much about music as Paula Abdul does. The Spice Girls were a world wide phenomenon ... and their "Return of the Spice Girls" tour was sold out globally. Paula never achieved that as a dancer or singer.

[RAIDER]

Apparently Victoria Beckam is the new judge....She can advise them on how to be a snob, I guess, but what the heck does she know about music? The Spice Girls were such a joke.:confused:

Ummm i agree
suddenly Paula Abdul should get paid whats shes worth .VB is regarded as an absolute joke in the UK

[The Reservoir Dog]

Ummm i agree
suddenly Paula Abdul should get paid whats shes worth .VB is regarded as an absolute joke in the UK

I can certainly back RAIDER up on that one.

[tinkerbelle75]

Here is the article from the Daily Mail UK:


Victoria Beckham lands dream role as new American Idol judge
By Natalie Trombetta
Last updated at 1:21 AM on 07th August 2009


American dream: Victoria Beckham will join American Idol as a guest judge
In the wake of Paula Abdul's surprise exit from American Idol, Simon Cowell has called on a old friend to join him on the judging panel - one Mrs Victoria Beckham.
The former Spice Girl has so far agreed to make one guest appearance on the show for a rumoured £155,000.

Her spokesperson told Mail Online: Yes Victoria will be making a "one off" appearance as a guest judge.'
The singing contest is still the highest-rating programme in the U.S. drawing an average of 26.3 million viewers per episode, making the role an impressive coup for the former Spice Girl.
She has been steadily building her profile in the since her move to the U.S. in 2007 but has yet to really make her big break.

Her appointment may come as a surprise to some, considering that even by her own admission she is not a particularly good singer.
'I worked hard at it,' she recently admitted, but: 'I was never going to be the best singer or dancer.'

A source says Posh is not interested to take over Paula's role permanently.

She is still determined to concentrate on her fashion projects, according to the insider, and is currently working on the upcoming launch of her new collection at New York fashion week in September.

Abdul announced just yesterday that she was leaving the show after eight years.

'With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to Idol,' she posted on her Twitter page last night.
While the TV talent show judge did not expand on her reasons for leaving the programme, she had been lobbying for a significant pay raise during negotiations for a new contract in recent months.
She was said to be particularly annoyed after hearing reports host Ryan Seacrest had secured a $45 million, 3-year deal, while she was being offered a rumoured $2 to $3million a year.
Shake up: Paul Abdul (second from left) has quit the show leaving Simon Cowell, Kara DiGuardi and Randy Jackson on the judging panel
Insiders claim she asked for about $20 million to continue with the show but was offered a total multi-year deal worth $10 million.

Abdul's message continued: 'I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon.'
'What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me.

'It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month.'

The rest of the judging panel, which includes Randy Jackson, Kara DiGuardi, and of course Cowell, will all appear on the next series.

[Pagan]

That's a bit harsh. VB knows about as much about music as Paula Abdul does. The Spice Girls were a world wide phenomenon ... and their "Return of the Spice Girls" tour was sold out globally. Paula never achieved that as a dancer or singer.
Neither one of them knows a thing about music.

Being a world wide phenom equates to absolutely nothing as far as knowledge or talent goes.

Bay City Rollers in their day anyone? Menudo? The Jonas Brothers? ;)

[TennesseeTink]

I have never understood why Paula Abdul was a judge for a singing contest anyway. She was a dancer who had enough connections in the music business to make some albums and then her very voice was heavily produced.

As much as I may not care for Kara's manner of speaking or facial expressions, she is one of the most in demand songwriters by the hottest pop stars of the moment(and that was before American Idol), plus she proved that she can actually sing too when she went up against bikini girl. When she speaks I feel like she actually knows what she's talking about and, between her and Simon, I think the show will focus more on talent that just a popularity contest. Atleast that's what I'm hoping.

[PirateLover]

I enjoyed Paula's antics and I do think she genuinely cared for the contestants. If I had to lose a judge I would rather it have been Kara or Randy. I think Kara was a total waste of space. I mean she got actual music facts wrong and contradicted herself all the time. However I think it could be interesting to have guest judges like Posh or Katy Perry to change things up a bit.

[pink]

All I can say is she is going to regret quitting this show when she has no money left and no one else will hire her. Give me over one million to sit on my butt and critique singers, I'll be there in a heart beat!

:mickey:

[DisneyPrincess21]

All I can say is she is going to regret quitting this show when she has no money left and no one else will hire her. Give me over one million to sit on my butt and critique singers, I'll be there in a heart beat!

:mickey:

I would go for alot less! I am literally broke. :D

[tinkerbelle75]

Saw that ABC has invited her to be a judge on So You Think You Can Dance ( Much better fit, I think!):

From the Live Feed website:
August 08, 2009
ABC: We want Paula Abdul on 'Dancing'
ABC entertainment president Steve McPherson says he wants Paula Abdul on the network's top-rated reality hit "Dancing with the Stars."

"Absolutely," he told TV critics at their summer press tour in Pasadena when asked if he was interested in having the former "American Idol" judge on the show.

"We would love to have her on 'Dancing' whether its as a contestant, or a participant, judge, etc.," McPherson said. "I was a little stunned by the decision. I think she's a huge talent. There’s a lot made about who she is. There's a sensitivity and emotion in her that balances out 'Idol' and we'd love to get a piece of that. It would be great.

Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe has also extended an offer to Abdul, but only as a guest judge since the show already has three permanent judges.

When a critic pointed out to McPherson after the panel that "Dancing" has a seemingly full judges table as well, McPherson reminded the critic that the network has not yet made any formal plans regarding Abdul, though noted "all possibilities are open."

McPherson said he called Abdul after he heard about her decision to leave "Idol" ("she sounded great," he said) and plans to speak with her further about potential opportunities at ABC.

Like with Lythgoe's offer, the question becomes whether ABC seriously wants Abdul full time on the program, or is merely seeking a temporary ratings-boosting stunt. Though Abdul worked as a choreographer, the ABC show is about ballroom dancing -- a distinction that likely would matter to hardcore "Dancing" fans, though probably not to most viewers. Also, it's tough to imagine ABC being able to meet or exceed the offer Abdul rejected from Fox (roughly $5 million per year).

Though one would be foolish to try and predict what the oft-unpredictable Abdul might do, the proclamation does raise the odds that Abdul will return to broadcast in some form next season -- either on "Dancing," or back on "Idol" should Fox decide not to risk letting the No. 2 reality show on TV hire its former judge.

The stakes could be significant. Last spring, the "Dancing" premiere featuring Melissa Rycroft actually rivaled an episode of "Idol" for the first time in total viewers, though "Idol" quickly widened the margin.

***

[2Epcot]

I also much prefer Paula's funny stuff to Kara, ick.

I feel the same way.


I enjoyed Paula's antics and I do think she genuinely cared for the contestants. If I had to lose a judge I would rather it have been Kara or Randy. I think Kara was a total waste of space. I mean she got actual music facts wrong and contradicted herself all the time. However I think it could be interesting to have guest judges like Posh or Katy Perry to change things up a bit.

Paula always made the show interesting. I still like all the original judges. I wouldn't want to see any of them go. The guest judges are interesting, but I don't think having 4 judges really works away. In the beginning of the show there are too many contestants to comment on, and not enough time. I can see maybe maybe adding guest judges when they get down to top 10 or less.

[MNNHFLTX]

You know, the more I think about this, the more it seems to me that adding Kara last season was a strategic move on the producers part. With one more year left on Paula's contract (at that time), they had to know that she would be maneuvering for more money. So all that talk back then that Kara had not been hired to replace Paula was all baloney, IMO.

[Melanie]

From People.com


Ellen DeGeneres Replacing Paula Abdul on Idol

Ellen DeGeneres is taking Paula Abdul's place as the fourth judge on American Idol.

"I'm going to have a day job and a night job," DeGeneres says on her program airing Thursday, assuring her audience that she's not leaving her talk show. "This is so exciting for me."

--------------------------------------------------------

??????????????

HUH?

[PirateLover]

Wow... I like ellen... but this could be the :shark: moment for Idol.... We shall see.

[Melanie]

I like Ellen too, but this is a strange fit, IMO.

[citizensnoopy]

What the heck?

[PirateLover]

Press Release:

Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges’ panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL,” said DeGeneres. ”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.”

“We’re all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America’s foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team.”

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX added, “We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the AMERICAN IDOL judges’ table this season. She is truly one of America’s funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it’s like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day. We feel that her vast entertainment experience – combined with her quick wit and passion for music – will add a fresh new energy to the show.”

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.

DeGeneres was recently included in Forbes’ Top 5 “Most Influential Women in Media” and was voted “Best Daytime Talk-Show Host” by Parade.com readers. In addition, DeGeneres has been voted “Favorite TV Personality” by The Harris Poll’s annual favorite television star list beating out Oprah Winfrey and Jay Leno. DeGeneres was included in MSNBC’s “Power players who shape your TV habits.” DeGeneres also was honored with Television Week’s Syndication Personality of the Year and voted No. 1 in Oxygen’s “50 Funniest Women Alive” special in the company of such comedic legends as Carol Burnett and Lily Tomlin and has been included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.

DeGeneres had the honor of hosting the highly rated 79th Annual Academy Awards and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety or Music Program. This follows her 2005 stint hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards, which marked her third time hosting the show. Her performance hosting the 2001 award show garnered her rave reviews for providing a perfect balance of wit with heartfelt emotion to the post-September 11 telecast audience. DeGeneres won an American Comedy Award for her inaugural effort hosting the show in 1994. Additionally, DeGeneres co-hosted AMERICAN IDOL’s very successful IDOL GIVES BACK special that raised money for children in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

In 2008, DeGeneres became the newest face for CoverGirl. The national print and commercial campaign for Simply Ageless Foundation premiered in December and the product quickly became No. 1 in the marketplace, outperforming expectations. DeGeneres partnered up with American Express in 2005 where she appeared in their ad campaign “My Life, My Card,” including a national commercial and a print campaign. DeGeneres later appeared in the national commercial “My Life Goal: to work with animals” which won a Primetime Emmy Award.

Prior to the launch of her talk show, DeGeneres scored simultaneous achievements on stage, film and in the literary world. She enjoyed unprecedented popular and critical response to her character, Dory, the fish with extreme short term memory, in the blockbuster animated feature film, “Finding Nemo.” At the same time, DeGeneres crossed the country on a 35-city stand-up comedy tour, entitled the “Here and Now” tour. Her stop at the famed Beacon Theater in New York was turned into an HBO special and was subsequently nominated for two Emmys. Finally, in October, Simon & Schuster published DeGeneres’ second book, “The Funny Thing Is….,” comprised of the author’s comedic short stories and essays. The book hit the New York Times’ Bestseller list upon its release. In 2005, DeGeneres was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the audio version of the book. Her first book, “My Point…And I Do Have One,” published in 1995, debuted at No. 1 on the The New York Times bestseller list.

DeGeneres’ career began as an emcee at a local comedy club in her hometown of New Orleans, which led to national recognition in 1982 when her videotaped club performances won Showtime’s “Funniest Person In America” honor. When DeGeneres moved to Los Angeles she filmed her first HBO Special, “Young Comedians Reunion,” then in 1986 “Women of the Night.” That same year, DeGeneres scored a first by becoming the first female comedian to be summoned by Johnny Carson to sit down with him after her performance. In 1989, DeGeneres received a Cable Ace nomination for her “Command Performance: One Night Stand” special. She was also named “Best Female Stand-Up” at the 1991 American Comedy Awards.

DeGeneres began her acting career in television on the FOX sitcom “Open House.” She moved on to ABC’s “Laurie Hill,” prior to being offered a part on “These Friends of Mine” by ABC. After the first season, the show was renamed “Ellen.” Running from 1994 to 1998, the show garnered record ratings, with DeGeneres receiving Emmy nominations each season in the Best Actress category. In 1997, DeGeneres was the recipient of the coveted Peabody Award as well as earning an Emmy for writing the critically acclaimed “Puppy Episode” when her character came out as a gay woman to a record 46 million viewers.

Both on and off screen, DeGeneres’ humanitarian efforts take center stage. DeGeneres is passionate about bringing awareness to the people of New Orleans, her hometown, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and her efforts have resulted in “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” raising over $10 million to improve the lives of New Orleans residents. Overall, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has raised over $50 million and brought attention to various causes, including global warming and animals. Additionally, DeGeneres continues to raise awareness about breast cancer, and served as spokesperson for General Mills’ breast cancer awareness initiative, Pink for the Cure, and hosted special episodes of her show to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Since she was first nationally recognized in 1982 as a comedian in New Orleans, Ellen’s many contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her numerous accolades including a Golden Apple Award as Female Discovery of the Year from the Hollywood Women’s Press Club; a Lucy Award honoring women in Television and Film, as well as an Amnesty International Award.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc. and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

[LauraleeH]

I don't see how she can be judging music????

[DisneyPrincess21]

I don't get it at all!
It just doesn't make sense, out of all the people who actually work in music, they take a daytime tv talk show host/comedian??:confused:

she's funny and all, but what does she have to do with a singing competition?

[BelleKP]

I like Ellen too, but this is a strange fit, IMO.

Couldn't agree more . . . :confused:

[PirateLover]

Honestly, I think it's a ratings ploy that may or may not backfire. Ellen is the height of popularity, so she may bring in some of her loyal fans. BUT I'm sure there are many Idol fans who are confused/miffed by this and see right through the plan.

[Lizzy]

I love Ellen. I think she is an amazing woman, but I am not sure what she is going to do to the dynamic of American Idol.

Simon is all about criticizing. That is what a lot of people wait for. I can't see him cutting down Ellen, like he would do Paula. She is a positive person and how is she going to say anything critical, even if it is constructive?

[Jeff G]

Not a fan of this move nor do I undertsand. How does she fit as a judge on a singing talent show:shrug:?

[2Epcot]

I think Ellen is a great entertainer, she is very quick and funny, always has a joke, but not sure how that will work on American Idol with the other judges. She doesn't have a musical background, so she is really just there for entertainment. At least Paul was a performer, which gave her some credibility as a judge.

Ellen is a main host, she is not someone who is part of an ensemble. I see this very much like when Rosie joined the view. Rosie is also the type of person who needs her own show, not part of a group.

Ellen from what I've heard has a 5 year deal. Now I find it hard to believe that she would be making less than what Paula was asking for. I'm not not a fan of Kara either, but I'd rather see just 3 judges with Simon, Kara, and Randy, if the show has to go on without Paula.

[IamBelle]

I agree that this is sort of out of the blue, but I can see why she was hired.
1. She has a "normal person's" perspective on music
2. which means she will mostly be judging on entertainment, which is what Paula did anyway
3. She is funny, so it will be fun to see her retorts after Simon speaks

I think it will be interesting this season, can't wait!!

[Mousefever]

I'm looking for to AI with an Ellen perspective! Paula didn't make any sense, and the fact that she is in the music business didn't make her any more comprehensible.

Amy

[Carol]

It's American idol. It's basically up to America who wins. Ellen is representing the average viewer.

I am clueless when it comes to music - but I know what I like and don't like.


I think it's a great fit!

[Ian]

Three words for you ... "Jump the shark."

How you replace a Grammy Award winning recording artist with a talk show host on a show that's a singing competition I have no clue.

Ridiculous move, IMO.

[MNNHFLTX]

When I first heard this story, I checked the calendar to make sure it wasn't April 1st. :crazy:

I still am not convinced that this is not some big publicity stunt. I really like Ellen, but this is just strange, IMO.

[Melanie]

When I first heard this story, I checked the calendar to make sure it wasn't April 1st. :crazy:

I thought the same thing, Beth!

[magicofdisney]

I can already picture her, in all seriousness, telling the contestants how wonderful they look. Then getting that little smirk she gets.

At first I thought this was an extremely odd match, but I'm now looking forward to it. I think she has impeccable comic timing and she'll definitely liven things up.

As it was I would fast forward through all but Simon's comments anyway. Occasionally I'd listen to Randy. It will be interesting to see how others comments play off Ellen's and vice-versa.