OK, now I believe Paula isn’t coming back…
Update: Deadline Hollywood is reporting Degeneres has inked a five year deal.
via FOX press release:
ELLEN DEGENERES JOINS “AMERICAN IDOL” AS NEW JUDGE
Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.
The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges’ panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.
“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL,” said DeGeneres. ”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.”
“I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the AMERICAN IDOL family,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”
“We’re all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America’s foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team.”
Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX added, “We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the AMERICAN IDOL judges’ table this season. 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. 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.”
A beloved television icon and entertainment pioneer, DeGeneres’ distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. DeGeneres has made a home for herself in the daytime arena with her hit syndicated talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” The show, now entering its seventh season, won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host four years in a row and has earned a total of 29 Daytime Emmy Awards.
DeGeneres was recently included in Forbes’ Top 5 “Most Influential Women in Media” and was voted “Best Daytime Talk-Show Host” by Parade.com readers. In addition, DeGeneres has been voted “Favorite TV Personality” by The Harris Poll’s annual favorite television star list beating out Oprah Winfrey and Jay Leno. DeGeneres was included in MSNBC’s “Power players who shape your TV habits.” DeGeneres also was honored with Television Week’s Syndication Personality of the Year and voted No. 1 in Oxygen’s “50 Funniest Women Alive” special in the company of such comedic legends as Carol Burnett and Lily Tomlin and has been included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.
DeGeneres had the honor of hosting the highly rated 79th Annual Academy Awards and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety or Music Program. This follows her 2005 stint hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards, which marked her third time hosting the show. Her performance hosting the 2001 award show garnered her rave reviews for providing a perfect balance of wit with heartfelt emotion to the post-September 11 telecast audience. DeGeneres won an American Comedy Award for her inaugural effort hosting the show in 1994. Additionally, DeGeneres co-hosted AMERICAN IDOL’s very successful IDOL GIVES BACK special that raised money for children in extreme poverty in America and Africa.
In 2008, DeGeneres became the newest face for CoverGirl. The national print and commercial campaign for Simply Ageless Foundation premiered in December and the product quickly became No. 1 in the marketplace, outperforming expectations. DeGeneres partnered up with American Express in 2005 where she appeared in their ad campaign “My Life, My Card,” including a national commercial and a print campaign. DeGeneres later appeared in the national commercial “My Life Goal: to work with animals” which won a Primetime Emmy Award.
Prior to the launch of her talk show, DeGeneres scored simultaneous achievements on stage, film and in the literary world. She enjoyed unprecedented popular and critical response to her character, Dory, the fish with extreme short term memory, in the blockbuster animated feature film, “Finding Nemo.” At the same time, DeGeneres crossed the country on a 35-city stand-up comedy tour, entitled the “Here and Now” tour. Her stop at the famed Beacon Theater in New York was turned into an HBO special and was subsequently nominated for two Emmys. Finally, in October, Simon & Schuster published DeGeneres’ second book, “The Funny Thing Is….,” comprised of the author’s comedic short stories and essays. The book hit the New York Times’ Bestseller list upon its release. In 2005, DeGeneres was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the audio version of the book. Her first book, “My Point…And I Do Have One,” published in 1995, debuted at No. 1 on the The New York Times bestseller list.
DeGeneres’ career began as an emcee at a local comedy club in her hometown of New Orleans, which led to national recognition in 1982 when her videotaped club performances won Showtime’s “Funniest Person In America” honor. When DeGeneres moved to Los Angeles she filmed her first HBO Special, “Young Comedians Reunion,” then in 1986 “Women of the Night.” That same year, DeGeneres scored a first by becoming the first female comedian to be summoned by Johnny Carson to sit down with him after her performance. In 1989, DeGeneres received a Cable Ace nomination for her “Command Performance: One Night Stand” special. She was also named “Best Female Stand-Up” at the 1991 American Comedy Awards.
DeGeneres began her acting career in television on the FOX sitcom “Open House.” She moved on to ABC’s “Laurie Hill,” prior to being offered a part on “These Friends of Mine” by ABC. After the first season, the show was renamed “Ellen.” Running from 1994 to 1998, the show garnered record ratings, with DeGeneres receiving Emmy nominations each season in the Best Actress category. In 1997, DeGeneres was the recipient of the coveted Peabody Award as well as earning an Emmy for writing the critically acclaimed “Puppy Episode” when her character came out as a gay woman to a record 46 million viewers.
Both on and off screen, DeGeneres’ humanitarian efforts take center stage. DeGeneres is passionate about bringing awareness to the people of New Orleans, her hometown, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and her efforts have resulted in “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” raising over $10 million to improve the lives of New Orleans residents. Overall, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” has raised over $50 million and brought attention to various causes, including global warming and animals. Additionally, DeGeneres continues to raise awareness about breast cancer, and served as spokesperson for General Mills’ breast cancer awareness initiative, Pink for the Cure, and hosted special episodes of her show to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Since she was first nationally recognized in 1982 as a comedian in New Orleans, Ellen’s many contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her numerous accolades including a Golden Apple Award as Female Discovery of the Year from the Hollywood Women’s Press Club; a Lucy Award honoring women in Television and Film, as well as an Amnesty International Award.
AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc. and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.
Biggest WTF moment right now.
Good God please tell me you are kidding. I like the show, although I found Paula to be a bit flaky. I cannot stand Ellen Degeneres.
I seriously thought this was going to be a joke of some sort. Brushing up for your big April Fool’s post? Because…. seriously?
this is lame as shit.
Is this a joke? I love Ellen as a talk show host, but this is a horrible choice for a new judge. Fox really messed up when they let Paula leave. I am definitely not watching this season now.
When I read this on Twitter, I thought this was a joke. WOW! This is good for the ratings.
Is this for real? Maybe Fox is trying joking?
I don’t think Ellen will be you know a typical judge. This decision is more for comic relief obviously and Ellen knows that. But you can’t deny this will attract more viewers.
Visan, there’s no way it is a joke. But the “Holy S##T” aspects of it are brilliant, and I’m just thankful they cut off at the pass all the will she/won’t she with Paula Abdul that I would’ve subjected myself to for the next 4 months
BTW, I updated the post, Nikki Finke reports it’s a 5 year deal.
This is funny. good bye american idol
Maybe I will wacth American Idol a little more than just the finale this year if Ellen is going to be on. I like Ellen so much, watch her show everyday. I wish people wouldnt say mean things online, if you dont like it then just move on without leaving a mark.
I’m just astounded. I mean, I don’t care for Idol, and I’m not a particular fan of Ellen (though I don’t hate her), so why should I care about this at all? It just feels so wrong. Obviously, like forg said, they are going for a comedic bent with the fourth judge, but I just can’t imagine how that is going to work out.
Ellen Degeneres? Thats a little random as a new judge. Not necessarily a good or bad thing but just odd.
I like Ellen but she’s not a singer or knows anything about music and I can’t see what she’ll bring to the table in comparison to Paula. Simon’s a A&R producer, Randy’s a music producer and Kara’s a singer-songwriter. It’s a risk that could pay off or badly backfire.
Whether you like this choice or not, this is so smart for Fox, publicity wise. This will get people talking and curious. Paula’s loss is big news for AI but the replacement is even bigger news. This came out of from nowhere. Who have thought she was being considered? Very sleek for Fox, they take the viewers minds off with the various guest judges and completely shocked us with this news. This is kind of like when Katie Couric was announced to host CBS evening newS. Personally, I’m looking forward on how Ellen will do as judge
Ellen who’s next, Carrot Top? I thought it would be someone of musical value, anyways never seen the show , and will continue not to watch
well now i will be watching haha
This is a
FIVE
YEAR
DEAL?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!! Fox must REALLY, REALLY want Ellen because she hasn’t even come on ONE episode yet! Ellen is very likable (I’m a fan), but I think this is going to fall flat….and what will Fox do if Ellen ends up testing poorly with the audience??
Wow!
This is… ummm… bizzare?
When they were told, do you think Randy, Ryan and Simon thought it was a joke at first?! I’m betting that at least two out of three started laughing!
She’s a funny woman and nice enough but… I mean… what’s going on?
Could the most valuable show in the world not find anyone in the music business to take that seat? They’re selling her as a humanitarian as oppose to any music business accumen.
i think Fox is trying to upstage Obama again with news…hmmm
WOW! I’ve happy about this news. I like Ellen DeGeneres, she’s great!
I like Ellen alot im happy she will be on it hell i might even watch an a few eps now.
YAY!!!!!!! Great choice. Listen all you Paula fans: she blew it. Period. I stopped watching the show last season just because I got tired of watching that girl self destruct every evening. Ellen is going to be great — funny, smart, she has a hit show, and aside from gay bashers (and especially those of you whining who don’t even WATCH the show), get over it. The fact is, the girl is going to knock it out of the park. Abdul will land on her feet somewhere else and she’ll be just fine. I like Ellen DeGeneres. Great show, great guests, she’s won about a thousand Emmys, and she’s got a great personality. Good for her. This is a smart thing for her to do. Finally FOX gets something right.
wow wtf… are u reli kiddin me… dont get me wrong i love ellen but my god y sign her for 5 years if u dont no how the masses will take it opening night.. FOX u are making a big mistake and i seriously believed that you shouldve chosen a different person cuz i dont believe she wud have the experience in that area like paula did but hey its just a thought…
Thanks, Mr. Seidman, for clearing up things!
Ellen is humorous but it seems so odd for her to be on AI as a judge….
This is what Ellen said about what will be her role as the new judge
http://www.tvguide.com/American-Idol/Ellen-DeGeneres-American-1009557.aspx
“Hopefully I’m the people’s point of view because I’m just like you. I sit at home and I watch it and I don’t have that technical… I’m not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind,” DeGeneres said.”
I think it could work.
Not only does Portia de Rossi have to star in a show that no one watched last year, but come January she’ll be beaten in her timeslot by her own wife when Idol goes to 2 hours. Poor Better Off Ted.
That ought to lower the ratings a bit.
Really, this is a pretty savvy choice. Paula didn’t add much to the whole constructive criticism aspect to the judging, just inadvertent comedy due to her random bouts of hydrocodone fuled flightiness. This is a more respectable way of maintaining comedy relief quotient without the uncomfortable voyeurism. (Although with the benefit of retrospect, that may not help with the ratings.)
Rhuw, that would be ex-wife, right?
No I think they’re still married Bill, are you mixing up Portia with Ellen’s ex Anne Heche (star of Men in Trees and HBO’s Hung)?
Rhuw, indeed I was! Show’s how much I’ve been reading People lately!
yes they got married before it came illegal, and still are
Gee, this really stinks. Why bother with the singing at all and the judges can just yak and tell jokes. She really sucked on SYTYCD.
Anne Heche is in Hung? Did I miss an episode?
Zeker, apparently you missed all of them, or just didn’t recognize her. She plays Ray’s ex-wife.
Wow! The ratings will go through the roof now…..
Odd. I’m trying to picture the interaction between her and Simon? Somehow I just can’t see it or I can’t see it being comfortable. On the other hand, in a strange twist of fate, they could end up being the Odd Couple and we could get more enjoyment from watching them, than the contestants.
Fuuuuuuuuuuuu-dge!
I heard a lot of bad stories about her from when “These Friends of Mine” was beginning and thereafter have always gone out of my way to avoid her and anything that she is a part of.
I’m thoroughly disappointed to see her now associated with such a successful program. Especially as I can no longer put on American Idol as background noise on Tuesdays when there is nothing worth watching on.
What in God’s name does Ellen have to do with music or singing? At least Paula and Kara had some kind of tie-in with the music business. This has got to be the oddest thing I’ve ever seen. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE Ellen…but 5 years? She just seems like a different breed than to be a judge for this kind of show. It’s definitely odd.
Love Ellen, but this is just a casting stunt. Although, it just might work…
Well let’s admit that Idol is not just a singing competition anymore, they are the #1 TV show in the US, the hiring of Ellen as new judge is a way to keep people interested, although they are the still the landslide ratings winner for the past four years, the numbers have dropped last season , casting Ellen is a way for them to keep their ratings supremacy.
But personally though, I would have preferred is she replaced Ryan as the host
Ellen fits in on “American Idol” about as well as Dennis Miller did in the booth on “Monday Night Football”… look how well that turned out for him!
What’s next? CNN replacing Campbell Brown with Larry The Cable Guy?
Despite the publicity Idol has received from Paula’s exit, this has got to be the worst decision ever made by a network. Ellen has a very likeable personality and would be a better host than Ryan Seacrest, but she knows nothing about music! Remember in 2002 when ABC considered turning Millionaire into a comedy show hosted by Jon Stewart? That idea was (thankfully) scrapped and I think FOX should re-consider their risky move with Idol. Over-conservative Idol fans will likely tune out of the show for the fact that Ellen is a judge, while some hardcore fans will tune out since Ellen is the only judge with no musical experience. Ratings are unfortunately going to fall either way and Idol may not be the #1 show on TV after 2010. Couldn’t they have picked someone like Mary J. Blige or even Kelly Clarkson?
Wow, I skipped this by yesterday thinking she’d just be doing a guest-judge spot. But this is actually real. Wow.
Wow.
It’s just SO odd. I have no idea how she’ll even fit in the dynamic of the show. She just seems so … not the right choice for this. It would be like picking Bill O’Reilley to take over for Oprah when she retires. Two totally different dynamics.
OTOH, Fox will get a lot of publicity for this, and it will pique people’s interests. And Ellen’s talk show ratings will soar as she gets exclusive interviews with the contestants. I really can’t think of a loser here.
I guess we all have to wait until January to see ratings. A guest judge wasn’t bad but as a permanent one!?? Time will tell of Idol’s success.
I just watched as much of Degeneres’s appearance on SYTYCD S5E18 as my nerves could take. Yikes. It’s not just the forced humor, but I can’t put my finger on who Ellen physically reminds me of at this point. I want to say Arte Johnson, but that’s not it.
NPH –Neil Patrick Harris will make her look silly when he’s the guest judge.
The man’s got talent.
What a terrible choice. The shock factor will fade and people will get over Paula. But Ellen is not as controversial and bizarre as Paula and her warm fuzzy funny will fade quickly. She seems like she would be a good host of the show, but not a good judge. I’ve already been thinking that AI will not be #1 at the end of this season and this just sealed it for me. Dumb dumb dumb
Your Correct, Dig Daddy!
Why not Neil Patrick Harris? We is a great host and he can certainly sing!
Oh- and did I mention funnier then Ellen?
Well, Neil Patrick Harris is busy with How I Met Your Mother
Even if the people will not necessarily like Ellen as judge I don’t think that will be reason enough for viewers to not watch AI. As long as they’ll have the contestants that will appeal to viewers, people will watch. FOX successfully made the show an “event”. I’m not AI’s biggest fan and I seriously want a show to challenge it in the ratings but I’m being realistic here, AI will most likely be the #1 show still this season.
Oh God no.
She was guest judge on SYTYCD for its 100th episode and it was painful. She was funny at first, but the problem is she has no idea when to stop. Her shtick wears out within about twenty minutes, and she offered no opinion of any real value. She was just being a smartass the entire time.
I was hoping they’d just go with three judges this season – Kara’s bad enough as it is – but now this. At least Paula provided hilarious awkwardness. Ellen provides forced humor, and now we’ll have to endure Ryan Seacrest giggling at every single thing she says, and panned shots of the vacuous audience laughing along.
I lie Ellen. And as a professional and popular entertainer she is as qualified as any except cowell to make judgments on who’s likely to make a successful pop star.
ew.
She’s too annoying.
I prefered if Victoria Beckham was picked, I mean she seems more qualified.
HORRIBLE CHOISE !!! Apparently they never saw her on ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ She was the WORST !! She took up way too much time, said nothing, added nothing, and acted like it was her own private comedy hour.