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Ellen DeGeneres kills her "Idol" critics with kindnessFinally, all those years of teasing for having a last name that sounds dangerously like “degenerate” have paid off for Ellen DeGeneres. The popular TV host responded to critics who have questions her selection as the newest American Idol judge on her show Tuesday.
On a competition made famous for its often cruel critiques of contestants, Ellen instead plead her case with compassion: Apparently, there’s a lot of debate going on right now, whether I’m qualified or not to be the new judge on American Idol ... I’ll tell you right now, how I know I’m going to be a great judge — because I’ve spent my whole life being judged. So, I know what it’s like. So, I will be kind. I will be compassionate. I will be empathetic, and I will be truthful. I will be an honest judge without being mean. To which I say, good for her. Public humiliation may make good television, but it’s awfully hard on the soul. I have no problem whatsoever having a judge like Ellen who will go out of her way to not be mean to people. She is still smart and funny, and that makes for good television, too. Since when has being a decent human being been so controversial?
Granted, she shouldn’t give the tone deaf false hope. But you can be truthful without being nasty. In fact, stringing together barely comprehensible platitudes seemed to be the departing judge Paula Abdul’s raison d’être on the show. At least now the praise will hopefully make sense and we won’t have to fear that she might pass out mid sentence. Plus, there’s always a chance that her wife Portia de Rossi might show up and, gosh, who does not love looking at pictures of those two together?
Ellen said she tries to stay away from all gossip about her in general and also says that America should be ready for its first blonde Idol judge. See the segment here: Like many people I was pretty surprised when Ellen was announced as the fourth judges. But her lack of formal musical training and experience don’t bother me one bit. If you think about it, the ultimate judge for the series is us — the average folks sitting on the couch at home. So finally now we have a representative at the table when the ninth season premieres in January 2010. And for the LGBT community, we have a powerful role model front and center on America’s most popular television program. That, my friends, is what I call a win-win. Submitted by on September 23, 2009 - 12:00pm. |
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Cheers!
I whole-heartedly agree! I wasn't shocked that she was chosen necessarily, but I was truly shocked with the resulting fallout. Why were people hating on Ellen?! I couldn't grasp it. I mean, she has proven herself to be fair and balanced, (unlike the network who claims the same) and a huge fan of music and of American Idol in particular. It seemed like a win-win right out of the gate for me.
Cheers Ellen! Enjoy!
She doesn't get it. She has
She doesn't get it. She has no vocal talent. None. There is no debate on that subject. Most of the contestants are more qualified than her to judge each other. The only debate here is if she deserves to be a judge regardless of her lack of expireance, and she doesn't.
Think of it this way, if Simon left the show instead of Paula would it be more appropriate to replace him with Ricky Gervais just because he's male & british or do you think that honor should go to someone who actually knows what they were doing? I think that answer's obvious.
The thing that really pisses me off about this is that there are a lot more of infinitively more qualified women who have appeared as guest judges on this show before. They deserve the job, they should get it. By accepting this offer she's stolen it from those truly deserving of it.
I might watch one episode this season just to see how much of an ass she makes of herself. After that I don't really care.
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give her the benefit of the doubt
ellen's always entertaining anyway.
-MJ
Spread the RAINBOW!
http://mgayness.livejournal.com
what vocal talent does simon
None. What he does have, and
None. What he does have, and what makes him so qualified for the job is his extensive history as a music publisher and producer. He knows what sounds good, and what doesn't. He knows what sells and what doesn't.
Ellen is just a accomplished comedian, and while that may qulify her to be a judge of comedic tallent, it does nothing to argue that she can be a good judge of vocal tallent.
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It's about entertainment
Kara and Randy both have
So who would you choose?
VeeMachi, I'd be curious to know who you feel would be more qualified then Ellen? Although she has no experience in the music industry, she has over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Surely that has to count for something. And dare I say, vocal ability is not the only thing that makes a musician. I can think of quite a few artists out there who are popular and can't sing to save their lives. Not to mention, this is a game show nothing more. So chillax and don't get your panties in a bunch worrying about who could be better. Just appreciate.
"Mother Chucker!" - Blair, Gossip Girl
no vocal talent?!
Exactly!
:)
JenniferHudson
Pink
PortiadeRossi
KatyPerry
LOL!
and what exactly qualifies
and what exactly qualifies you to judge who makes a good american idol judge? lol
But, are you qualified to
But, are you qualified to judge whether or not she could judge. Or am I qualified to ask you if you are qualified...
...Oh, nevermind!
:P
haha :)
If we keep going, I think my head's gonna implode...
but, alas, am I even qualified to make such a diagnosis? lol
{KaBoom!}
She "gets it" better than most people...
It's not about her having any vocal talent, which I think she actually does to a certain extent. She's not there to judge on the technical aspects, and that was made quite clear at the announcement. The other 3 judges who are qualified in that particular field are there for that.
Ellen is there as the fans viewpoint...but what I think many of her critics are forgetting, is that she has successfully stood on a stage, whether it be as a stand-up comedian, an actress in both television and movies, an awards show host (Grammy, Emmy & Oscar), and a talk show host, for more than 25 years.
She knows what it's like to stand alone on stage in front of a large audience and be judged on her performance. She has many years of experience to bring as a judge in that area, experience that the other 3 judges do not have.
In that regard alone, Ellen is way way ahead of the other 3 judges combined, in being qualified to judge on AI.
Add her humor, compassion, and kindness...it's just a very positive choice all round. :)
Wow!
Bitter much?
I hope she does make an ass of herself because that is exactly what we know and love her for.
She says it all in the above segment. Nuff said.
I think she'll give the show a wonderul new lease of life.
I don't think making an ass
I don't think making an ass of herself is the correct way to put it. It seems more of an negative aspect. Now Kanye knows how to make an ass of himself. Though I know where you are going with this. =)
@ VeeMachi - I disagree because you don't need vocal talent to be able to critique it. Like she said, she is the everyday person. Many people are able to give their own input without having any background in the area. You see it all the time with places like DeviantART.
Ellen is bringing new flavor
All I have to say is Ryan
Ellen is a good thing for
Ellen is a good thing for "Idol;" people love her. I might even watch it if she is on.
________________________________________________________
http://stuffqueerpeopleneedtoknow.wordpress.com/
Good for her!!
I love Ellen, I love how she deals with certain issues and I love the way she handels this subject. She's had an awful lot of critisism these past years. Coming out didn't make her life easier but she came back and kicked asses.....she's being judged but she's still here. She must be doing something very well. Maybe she's the best judge ever.......pitty we don't get to see her here in the Netherlands.
I wish her nothing but luck, love and happiness
Ellen is more than qualified...
While she may lack any formal training in the music industry, she makes up for it with her overwhelming success as an entertainer. Being an American Idol isn't solely about having musical talent. You also have to contain the ability to entertain your audience, and, that, she has a lot of experience in. I think it's a very smart move for the network to have such a diverse panel of judges. This way, we will be ensured that their comments will reflect an accurate opinion of what an American Idol winner should be.
what the heck?!
it is a win win! go ellen!
I agree
I think it's a win-win. There will always be mean critics (we find that even in some of the comments on our beloved AE) and they're a dime a dozen. There's nothing clever or intelligent about being mean-spirited. But someone who can do an honest, thoughtful critique without putting the person down is rare. I will tune in to American Idol for the first time just to watch this happen.
www.SeekingSaraSummers.com
what's up with the Ellen-hating
I was so amazed when I found out there were a whole bunch of people that say they really hate Ellen. Come on! Ellen, of all people. They must not be fond of puppies and Christmas either. I seriously don't get it, but whatever. I think they still have an issue with her being 'blond', grow up already.
There's also a whole bunch of people who love her but would't like her in Paula's chair for whatever reason, which is understandable, but I say let's give her a chance, she might actually help turn idol from cheesy to funny and entertaining. I personally am gonna watch every episode for the next 5 years, which I cannot say for the previous 8.
I had the exact opposite concern
When I first heard about Ellen being on AI I also had my doubts but it wasn't because I thought AI was too good for Ellen; it was the exact opposite. It's because I really like Ellen and I have never been a fan of AI - I think it's kind of lame actually.
But Ellen seems to have the right attitude about the whole thing- go figure, Ellen having a good attitude - and if it makes her happy then good for her.
yey for ellen.
it's not like Idol is all about vocal talent anyway
american idol is reality television. a game show. mindless fluff. it's a buisness. it's entertainment.
obviously people who are talented are on the show, but anyone who thinks that ellen is unqualified is kidding herself.
ellen is in the entertainment industry. it's been her job for quite some time now. and being the american idol is all about that.
i don't watch idol, but i love ellen and i'm glad she got this opprotunity, and is giving our community even *more* visibility.
and in our honesty, together we will rise. out of our nightminds and into the light at the end of the fight...
I agree.
If she was on the panel for admissions to the conservatory, I'd say hmm wait a sec.
But this is a stupid game show, which will be sooo much better because of her being there. I never EVER liked Idol and refuse to watch usually but if I could watch Idol with ellen as a judge, heck I would watch every broadcast including the reruns! Even more so because she will be nice. Now that's a change for reality television...
I think this is a win-win-win-win situation.
GO ELLEN!
HAHA
"If she was on the panel for admissions to the conservatory, I'd say hmm wait a sec."
i laughed so hard. lol i agree. its american idol people. and ellen is the defibrillator that it needs.
its been on forever and this is the first time ive actually been interested to watch. :)
I have absolutely no doubt
What?
Paula Abdul couldn't sing her way out of a wet paper bag, as evidenced by her horrendous lip-syncing disaster last season. Ellen loves music, and I can't imagine her rambling on and on and utilizing adjectives of her own invention. This is a HUGE step-up for Idol as far as I'm concerned.
Am I the only sour cherry on the fruitstand?
Lmao! Yea, not that
Ellen is totally right for American Idol...
Because Ellen IS an American Idol. She is successful, entertaining, and relatable. People don't vote just for the best voice, it's about who is likeable and lovable, and Ellen is one of the most loved celebrities in the business.
And I agree with the notion that she will represent the the viewer. I think it's a good idea. And after the initial auditions, it's not like the judges really have any power anyway.
silver linings
I never had an issue with her on American Idol's judges panel, in the end the audience votes anyway, and just because someone is in the music business doesn't mean they are always a the best judge... I mean American Idol is more about popular taste than professional taste anyway, after all America chooses in the end.
I only had issue with her working with Fox network, however my gf has since pointed out that I should consider all the right wing conservatives who are Fox loyalists that will now get used to Ellen's out lezness (and marriage to her gf) on their fav channel... that makes me happy....
How about instead of wishing
How about instead of wishing someone ill will we wish her the best in her endeavors with something new....
GO GIRL! ELLEN KICKS ASS! and she will do an awesome job regardless of musical experience or not. Entertainment is what its all about.
I feel
The final judge
Well said...
Loving music and being passionate about it is what the show is all about anyway!
Interesting.
Until I read this, I had honestly NEVER thought of the similarity between Ellen's last name and the word 'degenerate.' Ever.
Very occasionally, if you pay attention, life doesn't suck.
-Joss Whedon