Ellen's Idol Debut

Last night Ellen DeGeneres made her debut as a judge on American Idol. She seemed to fit right in with Simon, Randy, and Kara on the judges panel. Ellen added in some humor like when she had some of the contestants step forward, backward and side to side before revealing who would go on to the next round. But she also provided some helpful critiques in a refreshingly nice way to balance out Simon's usual blunt nature.

There were also several standout performances already in these early stages of the competition. Contestant Andrew Garcia did a very unique acoustic cover of Paula Abdul's Straight Up and Casey James really showed his talent with not only his great voice, but also his blues guitar skills.

Tonight we will see how Ellen copes with day two as an Idol judge and also see how the contestants manage with the always drama filled group night.

Enjoy this highlight from last night!

Ellen DeGeneres Speaks Out on Body Image and 'American Idol'

Ellen DeGeneres is sick and tired of the double standard when it comes to women and body image. The talk show host and “American Idol” judge discusses the issue with Katie Couric on CBS Evening News saying, "It's a double standard because there are men with really beautiful women that don't have great bodies, and yet nobody's saying anything about that. Women [think they] need to keep themselves up to look good for a man or for society. It's not fair."

In the interview with Couric, Ellen says airbrushing is one of the things that really bothers her the most. "Women are looking at bodies like that and going, 'My stomach doesn't look like that. I'm supposed to look like that?! So they starve themselves and they work out like crazy."

Beauty isn't about being stick-skinny, Ellen says it's about being healthy and happy. She adds: "It's not important. We put the wrong emphasis on what beauty is and what health is. Health is being vibrant and having energy and being happy. If you're healthy, it's got nothing to do with how much you weigh."

Ellen tells CBS Evening News that her relationship with wife Portia de Rossi is what keeps her healthy and happy.

It also sounds like Ellen is bringing the same attitude of acceptance and kindness to the “American Idol” set. She says she is finding it difficult to be critical of the contestants. "I'm getting good at delivering bad news, myself, but I'm trying to do it in a tender way. … I hate hurting people's feelings, so that, I think, is the hardest part. I think we have good people … I'm going to fight very, very hard to keep the people that I believe in, so that we have a wide variety … somebody for everybody, I hope."

Drama Between "Idol" Judges Already?

It seems there is already drama stirring up on the set of "American Idol" between Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres. Simon arrived more than 90 minutes late to the first taping of the show, causing Ellen and the other judges to waste their time waiting for the veteran judge.

According to the Sun Times, Ellen was especially irritated due to her very tight schedule. She has already moved had to change her schedule to accommodate “American Idol”, including moving up the taping of her own talk show. With Simon leaving at the end of the season, “Idol” isn’t worried about leaking his bad habits anymore. A source told Pop Eater, "You should expect many more nasty leaks about Simon. The show no longer feels the need to protect him. Simon has been late for years and is baffled that all of a sudden, after he announces he is leaving the show, leaks to the press have started to occur."

Possible replacements for Simon are also beginning to surface. The Sun Times reported that the “Idol” producers want the new judge to have major music industry credibility. Replacements could include Tommy Mottola, Guy Oseary (Madonna’s business partner), and Jimmy Lovine.

Paula Abdul Impersonates Ellen Degeneres

Paula Abdul finally decided to address (sort of) her departure from American Idol and her new replacement, Ellen Degeneres. By which we mean she put on a blonde wig, a pantsuit, and a pair of sneakers and danced her way down the aisle on VH1 Divas, impersonating the talk show host's typical on-air antics. Abdul, however, made it clear that the joke was all in good fun and even told Degeneres to call her if she ever needs advice. Wonder if that will ever happen. Check out the video below:

VH1 Divas | Divas Video

Ellen DeGeneres is New American Idol Judge

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will sit alongside Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi as the new American Idol judge. Ellen will add in her unique perspectives as the fourth judge when season 9 of American Idol premieres in January.

This announcement from Fox comes about a month after Paula Abdul stated that she will not be returning to the show. DeGeneres will join the judges panel after the already in progress auditions.

"I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol," DeGeneres said. "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 my vote."

American Idol executive producer and creator Simon Fuller is excited to have DeGeneres on board. "I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the American Idol family," Fuller said. "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."

Some guest judges for season 9 of American Idol include Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avil Lavigne, Katy Perry, and Shania Twain.

Talk Show Hosts Collide

May as well call them new BFF's. Ellen DeGeneres announced on Thursday night (March 20) that she’ll finally get her wish and be on the cover of “O” Magazine. The 51-year-old talk show host has been trying to get on the cover of Oprah’s magazine.

It's been a topic that has come up during her show for weeks! Oprah made a guest appearance on Friday’s taping of the Ellen DeGeneres Show to talk about “the fantastic idea.”


Ellen first broke the news on her twitter page saying, “Oprah just asked me to be on the cover of “O” magazine!” People are really Twittering like crazy. It's the new Facebook!

To make things official, Oprah made a guest appearance on Friday’s taping of the Ellen DeGeneres Show to talk about “the fantastic idea.” Oprah doesn't share the cover of her magazine with just anyone. The only other person to share the cover of 'O' magazine was First Lady Michelle Obama. Watch Ellen break the news to Oprah and her reaction: