After a battery of guest judges filled in for the departed but unfortunately not dead Paula Abdul, “American Idol” has filled the fourth judge’s seat with… Ellen Degeneres?
“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,” said Fox president of alternative Mike Darnell. “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.” [THR]
Now, I don’t give a flying lesbian about “American Idol,” but let’s see what die-hard pop culture experts have to say about the decision:
Chalk me up as one of those people who greeted the news that Ellen DeGeneres is joining the judging panel for season 9 of American Idol with the sudden urge to drive a fork into my thigh and wake up from a strange and horrible nightmare.
Me? I’m just frustrated that this whole thing has been in the news cycle at all. “Idol” went something like six or seven seasons with three judges. One season — ONE SEASON — they add a fourth judge, seemingly as a replacement for Paula. Then Paula left. JUST LEAVE IT AT THREE. THREE JUDGES IS ENOUGH. For the love of God, they’re judging people singing karaoke, not Olympic figure skating.


I agree the show is a joke and I won’t even watch it to see Ellen. But I disagree that Ellen is not funny. I saw her stand up routine once and rolled in the floor, she was so entertaining.
Bob Newhart and Groucho Marx are “one of America’s funniest people”, not this cheapo who stole Bob’s comedic delivery and Grouchos walk (now her dance, minus the Tails). Has Portia tired of you yet, as they all seem to do? You’re just an old sugar daddy now–part of being a rich man.
“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,”
Since when has delivering jokes by stammering like you have a gun to your temple and dancing like a complete dipshit is considered funny?
Sorry for all the typos, they make me look like the moron.
I just wanted to add one point.
Taylor Fucking Hicks. I rest my case.
That show sucks an immeasurable amount of ass. A couple of the winners had a bit of talent, but for the most part they are a bunch of greasy hacks who SUCK AT SINGING.
Real musicians are out WORKING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, not trying out on pukey game shows in from of a million drooling morons who can’t imagine that there is anything better to watch on a fucking tuesday or whatever.
For the love of God, they’re judging people singing karaoke, not Olympic figure skating.
I would be much more interested if they brought in a cantankerous Russian judge for this.
I can’t even work up the interest to make a dismissive comment about this. Die, FOX. Just die.
How do you get to be president of alternative? Is it an elected position? Is it by birthright? Oh, it’s nepotism.
“Mike Darnell one of America’s funniest people”
He’s even funnier if you read it in his tiny follow-the-yellow-brick-road voice for he is about 4’7″.
She is truly one of America’s funniest people
My friend Matt is Don Rickles compared to this dyke. And he works for a bank.
“She is truly one of America’s funniest people”
That quote makes Fox president of alternative Mike Darnell one of America’s funniest people.
Remember Halloween 3? The one that had nothing to do with Michael Myers. The one about the masks that will melt your head if you watched a certain show while wearing it. Well that movie was utter dogshit, but I think it’s a great prototype for what needs to be done with Karaoke Idol.
Someone should develop some technology where if you watch more than 2 episodes of that tripe, somehow your head melts. If you watch that show, fuck you.
Good morning everyone.
What are you talking about? Ellen has plenty of music experience. Of course, I consider Portia’s vagina an instrument.