Ellen DeGeneres a Judge or a Desperate Act ?

I love Ellen DeGeneres dearly, I think she is funny and a wonderful artist but a judge on American Idol? I don't think so! What was the Idol Management Team thinking? They must be desperate. What does Ellen know about music? I don't think the contestants want compassion - they want to get some good feedback on their performances and not some take on it. Maybe the public might be tickled with a few of her witty comments but that can quickly turn into a bloated fatigue and turn people off. I know it will turn me off hearing someone making funny quips about people who are desperately trying to do their best. That is one of the reasons I respect Simon's comments. He is honest, sometimes too brutally honest but he gives good suggestions for improvement. What will Ellen give? Nothing but a laugh or two perhaps. I think this is a big mistake. I may be able to take Ellen for a week or two but every week of making funny comments- that will be way too much.

I almost forgot she is a dancer. She dances on to her show every day and does some real wacky moves. Perhaps she could give contestants some tips on how to increase their chances of success by putting some humour in their moves doing the shoulder dips - sliding to the right and left and then suspending themselves on a chair and dropping full body into their seats. That's funny. That's good.

This desperate act by American Idol people only confirms that they are mortally afraid of low ratings this year. They reached out to Ellen and she was rightly shocked by this indecent proposal but the rewards may be good enough for her to throw her smiles and toes into the Idol ring.

I think what American Idol is doing stinks. Paula Abdul is a professional dancer, singer and choreographer. She knows her stuff and she was always compassionate and gave contestants her honest opinion in spite of Simon's views on the matter. Paula Abdul had something to offer contestants. I am afraid all Ellen has to offer is her wonderful jokes, funny dances and her sunny personality. That just won't cut it for me if I were a contestant.

Being a contestant might be a joke to some but for many hopefuls it is an important opportunity. It is so important that many are willing to put their reputations on the line on national TV. Having Simon insult and belittle those with little talent is not enough? Must they bring Ellen to turn this contest into a comedic act? I don't think that is right or fair to those who try out. Get Paula Abdul back in the Judges' chair and pay her what she wants - she deserves it.