Well it's official: The Fox network has announced that Ellen DeGeneres will be joining the judge's table for the 9th season of the hit TV show that showcases unknown talents who are trying to make it in the big time, American Idol. And the news that "Elen DeGeneres joins American Idol" has been making waves everywhere.
"I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol," DeGeneres announced. "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," she commented. (Not to mention that her vote will be worth a whole lot more now that she's taking over from singer Paula Abdul.)
Paula Abdul had announced at the end of the 8th season that she was ending her run with the show and would pursue other interests.
DeGeneres will be judging the latest American Idol wannabees together with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi after the initial auditions are done (they are expected to take until January). Until then, a series of guest judges will be filling in order to decide who will get to be on the show. They include Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris.
Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox talked about how excited he is about the news reports, telling everyone, "Ellen DeGeneres Joins American Idol." He expects that her comedic talents will be a big plus and will help to bring some levity to the judge's table.
Ellen has had years of experience in front of the cameras, having hosted her own show for the past seven seasons and also having hosted the 79th Academy Awards. However, even with all her talent, she's taking on an extremely tough assignment since so many people who watch the show were tuning in to see what Abdul had to say and have insisted that the singer's leaving the show will cause an irreparable change.
Paula Abdul had been known for trying to offer positive comments to the singers during their time on the show in direct contrast to Cowell who constantly found snarky comments to make.
Abdul has said she would miss her time on the show but she did feel it was time for her to move on. Ellen will certainly bring a different dynamic and we must wonder if the news that "Ellen DeGeneres Joins American Idol" will really be a good thing for the popular series.
