It looks like she is only going to be judging on the semifinal rounds maybe at the point when the voting public really only has a sayso as to who stays and goes???

I never thought of her as being a choice as a replacement for Paula Abdul though. Kind of like sticking Jay Leno on a panel of Olympic ice skating judges.

[chelsea24]

I also watch "So You Think You Can Dance" (same producers as American Idol) and she sat in as a judge for one session. Yes, that seemed to be a better fit because she's so into dancing, although not a professional. She was funny and lively and really did brighten up the panel. I read that she was extremely well-received by the public. There was one semi-serious occurrence with one of the dancers and she really handled it well. One of the other judges really jumped on this one dancer, not because of dancing, but because of his facial features! Ellen was not afraid to speak her mind and completely defended him. I liked that.

I just like her anyway. I think Paula will be missed. But, we'll see how it goes. Simon, in my mind is the one that really makes the show. And I am curious to see her and Simon interact. But, yes, I agree, on the surface, it appears to be an odd choice.

Can you tell I love American Idol! (Sigh.) Although after Adam Lambert, I fear all the seasons for me will be somewhat less interesting.

Originally Posted by Taltarzac

I never thought of her as being a choice as a replacement for Paula Abdul though. Kind of like sticking Jay Leno on a panel of Olympic ice skating judges.

Well I'm not sure I'd compare AI to Olympic ice skating, but maybe that's just me.

It was painful to watch Paula Abdul toward the end. Her thought patterns seemed to be scattered. She really wasn't very adept at telling the contestants the truth and seemed more focused on Simon's comments.

My thoughts regarding Ellen is that she will add a humorous yet, touching element to the show.

I'm thinking they'll position the judges from Left-Right: Randy, Ellen, Kara and Simon. That way Kara and Simon can have more of a banter going back and forth. Either way, I'm hoping it will be an entertaining season to watch.

[Russ_Boston]

I skip over the two ladies on the show anyway. And often I'll skip over Randy. Simon is the only one that really matters.

But I'll give Ellen a listen before I get that 30 second skip ready on the DVR!

[PA.Girl]

I won't watch it any more. A good opportunity for me to get back to my painting.

[PA.Girl]

PA.Girl: I won't watch it any more. A good opportunity for me to get back to my painting.

[Bettiboop]

It was a little bit of a shock to find out she will be replacing Paula, though after I thought about it I kind of like the idea. I love her humor and I think she will bring the humerous, more personal aspect to the judging, a good balance to the other judges. I am surprised she even wanted the gig though!

I am a BIG fan of AI but the last couple of years have been rather "painful" to watch Paula trying to get her thoughts out. Many times I was embarassed for her. Something just wasn't right.

[Shirleevee]

Originally Posted by Bettiboop

It was a little bit of a shock to find out she will be replacing Paula, though after I thought about it I kind of like the idea. I love her humor and I think she will bring the humerous, more personal aspect to the judging, a good balance to the other judges. I am surprised she even wanted the gig though!

I am a BIG fan of AI but the last couple of years have been rather "painful" to watch Paula trying to get her thoughts out. Many times I was embarassed for her. Something just wasn't right.

Ellen is sharp and articulate and will leave the meaness to others. I think she is a great choice!!!!

[NJblue]

I doubt that she will ever be brutally honest in her review if things aren't so great, but Paula was never honest either. Quite frankly the judges are there only for their entertainment value and Ellen is quite entertaining - the fans will continue to vote for whomever they like. I think she will be an improvement over Paula.

[JUREK]

Originally Posted by Shirleevee

Ellen is sharp and articulate and will leave the meaness to others. I think she is a great choice!!!!

I hardly ever watch the show but Ellen will be a breath of fresh air compared to Paula.