Will Ellen make a good American Idol judge?

[Sarahfeena]

I'm not a big fan of AI...I usually watch the auditions, but have never followed a full season of it. Can't deny that it's a cultural juggernaut, though, and so I'm curious about this step they've taken and what the thinking behind it was.

I'm a fan of Ellen's, although I don't get much chance to watch her show. I think she's cute, funny, seems like a genuinely nice person. But I'm not sure this is the right thing for her. Does she know anything about music? Paula's a nut, no doubt about it, but she's been around the industry a long time and seemed to be a decent judge of talent. And will Ellen try too hard to be funny? As I said, I like her humor, but I hope it's not going to be misplaced here.

On the other hand, she does seem empathetic, and they do need the "nice" judge to offset Simon. I can see her filling that role nicely.

So, tell me what you think, especially AI fans. Smart move, or big mistake?

[Zuul]

Huh. I haven't watched the show since the first season, but I'd be interested in seeing it with Ellen just to see what it's going to be like. I honestly can't fathom how she'd fit in that panel of judges, though.

Paula might be drug addled and nuts, but she does have experience in the industry, as you mentioned. Other than being nice, I really can't see what Ellen would do.

[pepperlandgirl]

Ellen loves the show and she loves music. I think that she's personable, nice, and probably quite knowledgeable about what sucks and what doesn't. I can't imagine it's a bad thing to have somebody so enthusiastic about music on the panel--even though I often question whether that show is about music at all.

[hatesfreedom]

I really like Ellens wife cause she was in Arrested Development and made me laugh so hard I shit my pants. So knowing that I can say that Ellen will be awesome at this job.

[Oliveloaf]

Never seen Idol, but Ellen seems too nice to come down hard on someone.

Perhaps some entertainment value will come from her discomfort in being critical.

[Cluricaun]

Simon is going to backhand her, just watch.

[rodak from zortron]

The dynamic between herself and Simon should be pretty weird if not awkward. Curious choice to me but I wish her all the best!

[Exy]

Without the lurking possibility of seeing Paula pass out or else try to make out with Simon due to whatever drug cocktail she's on, what's the point of watching the show anymore?

[Sarahfeena]

Yeah, one of the problems with Ellen is that she may be too uncontroversial for AI. She's not going to go on a bender, she's not going to inappropriately ogle any of the teenaged contestants, she's not going to drape herself over Simon and giggle. Takes a lot of the tension out of the whole thing, and not necessarily in a good way.

[Inner Stickler]

I love Ellen. If I weren't gay and she weren't a lesbian, I would marry her in a heartbeat. Girl roxxors my soxxors. But I just don't see her fitting in the panel very well.