Ellen DeGeneres Votes Herself Off American Idol
"Dim the lights ... I've voted myself off American Idol." That's what her Tweet said last week. And I think what she meant was: "Idol is going to suck now." She wouldn't say that because she's too nice. And being too nice is, in fact, the reason she's leaving the show. On her website, she says, "I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings." So nice + funny = perfect judge. But if it's not right for her, it's not right. Now the American Idol producers will have some very big shows to fill. There have been rumors, of course. Some claimed Aerosmith's Steven Tyler was considering the job -- to which Kelly Clarkson tweeted, "Just heard Steven Tyler might be a new judge on Idol this year. ... I'm thinking of auditioning again just so I can see him every week :)" But I don't want Idol to suffer. So I have a list going of other people in the industry who would fit in well at the judges' table if Tyler doesn't want the job. Feel free to add your own recommendations.
Madonna, because she was such a pioneer in the pop world and doesn't seem like she'd have a problem with being brutally honest. Martina McBride, because she was such a natural during her time as a mentor on the show that she knows how to criticize without belittling a rookie. Nathan Chapman, because even though he's not a household name (he is Taylor Swift's producer), he recognized the talent and passion in Swift before she was a household name.
Rodney Carrington, because he's just as funny as DeGeneres, and even though he's known primarily as a comedian, he's got more songwriting and vocal talent than half the singers on the radio today. Kelly Clarkson, because finding mega success after the first Idol in 2002 really makes her the best judge of all.
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Carole Long says:
Ellen has way too much talent for Idol and would be a beauty if she had a little more hair — like it was last year. I don’t think you have to be unattractive just because you are gay and I don’t think you need to act like a guy just because you are gay. My vote for replacements -Nathan Lane and Tina Fey but they also are ultra talented.
kemoi says:
Great!!
D trotter says:
Smart move Ellen. You have too much class for that nonsense. The good stuff — helping some struggling person’s dreams come true — are way outnumbered by the tasteless stuff, like making fun of the parade of pathetic wretches who never should have passed the initial screenings.
My choice for the panel? Katy Perry, Russel Brand, Ozzie Osbourne and Dick Clark.
snakes&ladders says:
I’d say Bozo the Clown, Skippy the Chimp, and Homer Simpson. I realize not much of an improvement, but at least they could keep us better entertained between commercials maybe.
countryiscool says:
While I applaud Ellen’s effort on IDOL, she IS a better fit for her show; more at ease, more funny & entertaining. I can think of no choices, lost interest seasons ago after Carrie, Bucky, & Kellie were on, and I only really liked Simon as judge.
debra says:
I think its time for the show to go! Now its more about the judges than finding the best talent!! At least Ellen was smart enough to leave and the comment about her hair earlier was ridiculous she would be beautiful bald!
dawn says:
I always thought ellen was just too nice to have to be that cruel and honest at times.She is great on her own show anyway….
Elly says:
Hey, that’s proweufl. Thanks for the news.