Ellen DeGeneres Talks “American Idol” Thu, 10-Sep-2009
Although she loves to dance, Ellen DeGeneres is using her love of music as an "American Idol" judge.
"I love music-period," she explained to Ryan Seacrest in an interview earlier today. "And I'm a huge fan of the show. I haven't missed one show since the beginning..I'm just a fan like everybody else."
The 51 year-old DeGeneres also knows that judges are there for simply critique and support. "People are the ones who choose the American Idol. Ultimately, it doesn't come down to some expert in the music industry. It comes down to everybody at home who says, 'That's the person I relate to.' I hope to be that voice."
And also carrying out Paula Abdul's personality, Ellen says, "I'm not going to be mean. I hate when Simon's that mean."
But what will she do when he isn't too nice? "I'll tell him the same thing I tell him when he's on my show - that he's mean. You can be constructive, and you can criticize someone in a way that's helpful and not mean-spirited."
As for Abdul, DeGeneres said she hopes the former judge is "OK" with her signing on as judge.
Said DeGeneres, "I don't want anyone to think I took her job away from her."
So exactly what kind of judge will she be? DeGeneres says she'll be "honest" but will "bring compassion" to the show.
"I'm speaking from someone who loves music and someone who's on stage everyday. Hopefully, I can give them good advice and help choose someone that [people will like]. I really do pride myself on 'not judging,'" she added. "I'm human and I have opinions, but I do try to catch myself and remind myself everyone is who they are for a reason."
The judges seem happy to add DeGeneres on the ride. Randy Jackson says it was a wise choice even though she has no music experience.
"[Ellen] can be the voice of the people among us," he said. "I think between me, Simon and Kara [DioGuardi], there's enough musical experts to go around right there."
He added that she's "going to bring a really interesting, different perspective to the people [and] to the panel." | 
