Ellen Degeneres Chats with Ryan Seacrest, Discusses Her Idol Debut

Ellen Degeneres called into the Ryan Seacrest KIIS-FM radio show this morning to chat about her debut as Idol judge. The Hollywood Rounds kick off on American Idol tonight.

She didn’t directly address the rumors that she and Simon aren’t getting along, but she certainly is playing up the differences in their personalities and judging styles. She calls Simon a smart, funny guy and admits he’s going to be “a challenge”. And then candidly states, “It’ll be good TV.”

Makes me wonder if TPTB are the peeps planting the Ellen-Simon rumors to drum up interest in the show. Hm.

Commenting on the talent, Ellen says the judges have advanced a “very great eclectic group of people.” and she’s surprised by how little experience some of them have. She knows from experience that it’s a very hard process for somebody who hasn’t auditioned before to hear “no”.

She plans to be honest, but with humor to cushion the blow. As a comedian, Ellen knows what it’s like to try to impress a room full of people, and then get judged harshly.

The live shows will be fun and exciting, Ellen thinks, and the plan is to travel next summer to all the audition cities.

Ellen’s got empathy for these kids, but she’s going to be a very different judge than Paula Abdul. If a contestant stinks, Ellen won’t be telling them they look nice. And I don’t think she’ll be taking any condescending crap from Simon. Should be interesting.

I was pretty tough on Ellen when the news first broke, but I’m willing to keep an open mind for now. What do you think?

Listen to the interview after the jump…

BONUS Video: Randy Jackson talks to FOX Atlanta about Ellen, Hollywood Week. And, of course a Girl Will Win (for the “Zen Oneness of it All” (!!!)

Ellen Degeneres – Ryan Seacrest

ETA:

Randy Jackson on Fox Atlanta, talks about Hollywood Week, and a girl will win…

About mj santilli 34883 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!