Horrible, horrible. they have jumped the shark

"She's knows nothing about music". And Abdul DOES???

Besides, just because Ellen Degeneres isn't known as a musician doesn't mean she's without knowledge of the subject. She does have her own talk show, after all, and is probably much more aware of trends and practices in the music industry than a lot of other people would be.

Ellen is also about as close to having a "real" person as a judge on that show as we'll ever see, short of having an actual radio contest winner be given the judge's chair for a day. I think it's a good move to have someone like her - who asks the questions we all want to know, says the things we're all thinking - on the panel. She will give that audience a voice.

I can't believe Ellen would be interested in the job. And her comment "I've watched since the beginning [bold]and never missed a show"[/bold]? My opinion of her went way down.

While I was perfectly happy with Paula being gone, I think this is the dumbest move they've ever made. WTF?!

I'm thrilled about this news. I've long since stopped watching anything other than the performances on idol. This hiring might actually get me to watch a full episode again. Well played, AI.

I like Ellen a lot but I HATED her guest judging stint on SYTYCD. It was nothing but (clearly pre-written) jokes and the worst part was that the jokes weren't even good. They were awkward and cringe-worthy and she stuck out like a sore thumb. I don't even like AI but I still think replacing Paula with Ellen is a bad idea. What ever happened to Posh?! I was holding out hope for her and, despite my hatred for AI, would TOTALLY have tuned in if she had been Paula's replacement.

Time out. SYTYCD without Mary "Banshee" Murphy's screaming would be WONDERFUL. Just saying. Carry on.

"We won't have to watch awkward flirting/fighting with Simon."
That's a CON? Simon and Paula's shtick with the whispering and touching and the doodling was distracting and tiresome.

Really?? Do any of these judges know anything about what people really like. All Ellen has to say is, "that was a little "pitchy". Whatever that means, it seems to be the favorite comment. You don't have to be a musician to know if someone sounds bad and some of the people that they push through sound really bad. I'm just sayin'.

I was completely outraged when I first heard about this yesterday, but as time goes on, I care less and less. I'd prefer to hear professional comments on the singers, though. I have TWOP for hearing about the audience's opinions. I like Ellen, so there's a chance I'll warm up to her. My real issue is that this show certainly does not need four judges. I'm going to be really angry if this causes Americal Idol to go over constantly again this year, and messes up my DVR of the much better Glee. This show shouldn't be so much about the judges, anyway. We only need so many opinions about the singers.

I love love love Ellen, but I want Paula back. AI won't be the same without her.

As I've read elsewhere: American Idol, meet your Cousin Oliver.

I think having an opinion on Ellen's performance before the first episode airs is crazy premature. The fact is that we have never known AI without the base three (hee). She could bomb, or she could develop a judge role we didn't even know we were missing- the nice NON-CRAZY judge. At the very least, I'm willing to base judgement on her performance instead of my assumptions.

(Alright, fine- I'm glad she's coming on the show because Paula's untreated mental illness made me squirm through every episode.)

If they wanted a comedienne, why not get one that is actually funny?

I think Ben hit the mark...

Also, there is absolutely no need for a fourth judge--it's not as if they needed to fill time. That being said, I think the show jumped the shark when they added Kara last year.

I like Ellen. But this move is very "HUH?!" She's famous, but not famous for music at all. (Liking to dance doesn't count) Was there really no washed up, one hit wonders available to fill in? No old VJs, music critics or producers that could fill in? Even someone who was just a hangeron of music types like Jerry Hall or one of Rod Stewart's ex-wives? Someone MUSICAL?
Ellen would make sense as a judge on Last Comic Standing (if that ever comes back). But this just feels wrong.

I don't think anyone who watches AI or SYTYCD religiously is actually qualified to say what passes for decent entertainment.

Ellen is funny, strong-minded and comes across as pretty nice and fair. I think that should play off Simon nicely.

I tried to watch AI, but couldn't stomach Paula Abdul's bizarre behavior nor Randy's pointlessness. With Ellen on, I will give it another try.

I will not watch Idol without Paula, diss her all you want, but she added humor and sensitivity.

Hey, subtle must be your mildde name. Great post!