So You Think You Can Dance judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told EW that American Idol “stole” Ellen DeGeneres from his show so he’ll “steal” Paula Abdul as a guest judge in the future. Talking from the red carpet of Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles, Lythgoe said though he “loved” having DeGeneres on the Fox dance show (“We hope she will still be able to come and help us out from time to time”) Lythgoe said it would be a “great idea” to have Abdul join the SYTYCD team in the near future. ”I’d prefer Paula,” he said. “I think it is a great idea to put her on.”
But Lythgoe was quick to add that DeGeneres will be a valued addition to Idol. “What it does is give the public, who are the people who decide in the end who is crowned the victor, a voice on the judges panel and they have never had that before,” the former Idol producer told EW. “They already have industry experts, musicians and producers and songwriters represented and Ellen will be that judge who comes at it from a fan perspective. She loves music and she will be able to speak about what people will like and what would sound good on the radio. And she’s funny. And I also think she is strong enough to keep Simon in his place, which I am always worried about.” —With reporting from Carrie Bell
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How can Ellen be the voice of the people when she lives in her 20 million dollar mansion in the Hollywood hills??? She simply does not belong on the panel at American Idol. Why can’t anyone in Hollywood admit that??
You don’t think Simon Cowell lives in a $20+ million dollar mansion? I agree 100% with fancynancy.
When they say “voice of the people” the mean as a FAN. So what if she’s rich, doesn’t mean she doesn’t care any less or more than the rest of us. I look forward to seeing her.
why in the world would SYTYCD want her so bad when she was HORRIBLE when she was on the show the first time?? what is wrong with these people?? oh right, they are morons.
Agreed that she was horrible. Ellen was a one joke pony on SYTYCD and I expect more of the same on AI. I don’t but the producers “voice of the people” reason at all. The producers clearly see the addition of Ellen as free daily promotion of AI on her talk show.
She was too busy trying to be funny than give an honest critique and her comments were way too long.
im sick of reading about idol and ellen. i dont care. i dont plan to watch it. simon is probably gonna leave after season 9 and then idol will go from dying, to dead, anyway. i cannot wait to see Paula on SYTYCD!!
If you hate the articles, don’t read them dummy
am I the only one who noticed SIMON hasnt commented on Ellen yet? its been almost a week with no word from mr honest guy. I think that says it all. Even if SImon eventually comments, the fact that he still hasnt tells me he doesnt give a damn about idol anymore. I think he will leave after season 9. He doesnt need Idol, he can easily start another show, hopefully with Paula, and steal all the viewers away from Idol starring Randy, Kara, Ellen. And then Paula and SImon would be working for themselves and not for Fuller anymore! Right now, Simon is Fullers’s slave in America and you would think he would be sick of that after 8 years. Im crossing my fingers.
That’s wrong. He made a comment last week. Google it.
American Idol will NOT stay nr 1 without PAULA. Idol is the kind of show that NEEDS a star who creates MOMENTS for it to remain nr 1. PAULA was that star. She has created moment after moment of buzz worthy TV. She has single hand put this show in the headlines again and again. Ellen has NEVER created a single TV moment in her entire career- and she isnt about to start now, because you either have IT or you dont. Paula has IT. Ellen doesnt. Idol nr 1= 2002-2009.
Ummm… what about coming out on her sitcom?
Yeah, Ellen has made TV history in her career, Paula’s moments were just drunken blathering.
Seriously though, when was Paula ever liked before Kara came. All I ever heard were complaints about Paula and how Simon made the show.
Kara shows up and suddenly Paula has throngs of adoring fans?
Ellen has not created a single TV moment? How about when she made the cover of Time magazine when she aired her “coming out” episode?! Or when she received glowing praise for hosting the Emmys after 9-11?! Or when she won 4 straight Daytime Emmys for her talk show?! Or when she became the only personality to host all the major award shows (Emmys, Grammys and Oscars!!) Congrats on your new gig Ellen. I hope it goes well for all parties involved.
If Ellen is a fan, she should remain a fan, and watch it from home- like the rest of us. The kids on the show deserve better, and there are people that are far more qualified in the music industry to sit on that panel.
I think it is a selfish move on Ellen’s part. I agree, she cannot be the voice of the public, she is very out of touch, and I agree, money has something to do with it. Ellen has also has shown disrespect for the industry by violating copyright laws.
I think it is a bad move and is an insult to all professional musicians.
I agree, Simon not commenting on Ellen’s new Idol gig speaks VOLUMES.
Why do we need a “voice of the people” when we all already know what we’re thinking, we don’t need Ellen speaking for us. It’s like their saying the judges think one way (read: the “right” way) and America thinks another way (read: we’re a bunch of hicks that thinks everything sounds good, and oh yeah, that Simon fella is so mean and never speaks the truth). Ellen’s “voice” on SYTYCD was about as useless as a box of hair, telling everyone she liked their routine and “are you a carpenter? because you nailed it!”). Give me a break! If I had my way, Simon would be the only one allowed to speak, and that includes Ryan and most of the contestants. Nothing against Ellen, but she has her reputation of being nice and a friend to everybody to worry about, so she will never tell the truth on Idol if it means being controversal.
wowwwwwwwwwww..i think paula is a great dancer and choreographer.she’s perfect for sytycd
ellen is funny..but she can’t be a Idol’s judge ..she hasn’t background..i’m also an idol fan but i’m not able to be an idol judge..it’s a big mistake..fox is worried for ratings but what about contestants?? they need paula !
simon how could you let this happen to her. your the master of the show and you let us all down. i wont be watching anymore
if AI is looking for the voice of the people…why not audition a judge the same way the do the singers..
I would prefer Paula back on AI, period. That said, I really am not that up-in-arms over Ellen being a judge. The SYTYCD was a one-time thing and it was obvious they didn’t actually expect her to give critique, she was there as a comic. It will be different for Idol, I’m sure. The part that really bothers me is Lythgoe claiming again he would want Paula on his judging panel. No, no, no, hell to the no! She is a complete joke. She belongs on AI if anywhere.
I think Paula could be good for SYTYCD. She’s a better dancer/coreographer than singer (look to her “performance” on rock week results night for proof). As far as Ellen on AI goes, I think I’ll do a wait and see with this one.
I like Ellen.. But I don’t think she is a right choice for being Idol judge.
I believe people who has voice would like to be judged by the real singing artist..
…a real singing artist….like Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell?!
The people at America Idol should be fired for making a stupid and insulting move! Ellen is old, out of touch, boring, and has no musical credibility. She does not “roll” with the rules of the industry! What a great role model for the current and future consumers of music and American Idol products! Apparently American Idol endorses people who steal music! That is wonderful! Maybe Limewire should replace Coke for the main endorsement! Stupid American Idol! Way to go in promoting a moral person!! What a wonderful lesson you are teaching our children!! The American way is truly shameful!!
First, if your Sad to be in the USA- get the heck out. We don’t want you here either!
Second, why hasn’t anyone noticed this supposed copyright problem of Ellen’s show before this year? She’s been dancing for years.
Third, the comment came from a producer that they don’t “roll” like that NOT FROM ELLEN. No one has yet forced her to stop playing music.
Ellen’s nose is one of the dirtiest in the industry. She crosses picket lines, breaks rules and manipulates her public. BUT SHE IS ROLLING IN THE DOUGH!!! Just like in sports, you have to use the steroids to get ahead! Yes, it has become the “American Way”, and if you have enough money and clout you are untouchable! Like it or leave it!
think ELlen’s gonna be great, no one can replace Paula so they’re goign a different direction, it should be about the singers anyway. Ellen’s hilarious and knows about being a star half of the equation on Idol, brilliant choice, there’s still a producer, talent scount and songwriter on the panel, Ellen doesn’t cancel any of that out! come on people!
Ellen Disingenuous? Really? You’ve broken my addiction to Idol with this idiotic choice. Ellen offers only boring, moronic humor and hideous timing and delivery – and that’s when she’s doing something she supposedly knows how to do. Music judging? Absolutely ridiculous and insulting to the contestants. Network empty suit decision!!
LOL Joe! Agree. Ellen is such a waste of time. Will ruin credibility of Idol. What are they thinking? Simon must be ready to shoot himself. btw thought Paula was a bit weird, but at least she knows music and when someone is on key. How will EDG even recognize talent when she sees it? Surely not from looking in the mirror!! lol2x
I never understood why Paula Abdul was considered an industry expert on a singing competition but she would make more sense on SYTYCD. She’s a dancer.
Plus, they have judges who actually know what they’re talking about and generally give useful critiques and praises so they could use a little bit of Paula’s crazy talk about rainbows and magic and gibberish.
i’ve heard ellen say funny, witty things lots of times & she’s bright, sharp, peppy and enthusiastic, what gives with all this pre-judging of her ‘idol’ judging performance, when we haven’t even seen it yet? based on what iknow and have seen of ellen, she’s got the potential to be a great choice! i was startled & surprised at first, but then thought–yeah, this could work!i predict some interesting even scintillating chemistry between ellen and simon cowell, and ellen and the other judges but especially with cowell. he will sort of kiss her behind because she’s a much bigger star than he. but he also won’t fear to contradict her or claim she was wrong, yet there will be a subtle element of deference. his bluntness and tinge of sadistic cruelty will be tempered. i didn’t like seeing someone drunk and stoned (abdul) on the number one t.v. show. ‘idol’ will survive her loss well! ellen has the compassion and heart of paula but ellen can be giddy rather than ditzy, and she’s sharp, bright and sober! that said, one wonders if this will turn out a replay of an embarrassing moment in t.v. history when dick van dyke didn’t work out on the (then) top telly comedy and suddenly disappeared from the show. i hope not.
seriously, where did the legion of paula fans come from? paula, though incredibly amusing, was and is a drug addict who is usually extremely drugged up and out of it. However, career wise, she is a perfect fit for SYTYCD. she IS a choreographer and dancer more than she is a singer.
And i’ve never seen so many people bashing ellen before, whats wrong with ellen? She’s smart, funny, and i think shes with it and not out of touch. I think she does represent the people, just because your rich, doesnt mean you can’t appreciate music. She actually can probably appreciate it more that most of us can because she has the resources to do it.
remember a few years ago when people wanted to get rid of paula because she was acting all insane all the time and making comment noone understood? and your saying ellen is a horrible replacement? who is SOBER and coherent? people please…
Is everyone insane? Ellen stinks!! Paula has demonstrated her success in BOTH the music AND dance. People who doubt Paula’s merit as a pop music singer, let me remind you that her album “Forever Your Girl” went multi-platinum in 1989!!!
What does Ellen have to show for her accomplishments in the music industry?? Nothing..unless you count the lawsuit against her abuse of the copyright laws.
Anyone with a brain can see that Ellen does not belong on the panel of AI!! I think that if Ellen really cared about the kids on Idol or the fans, she would have declined the offer by Fox. The kids, with all their hard work really deserve more than Ellen – a self promoting comedian- on the panel.
Incoherent Paula is more of an asset to the kids than 100 “nice” and “sober” Ellens.
lot about you