Goodbye Paula, Hello Ellen!!
Yesterday, amidst all the political news regarding President Obama’s healthcare speech, it was announced that Paula Abdul is definitely, positively, absolutely NOT coming back to American Idol. She has been replaced….by Ellen DeGeneres.
I for one am thrilled.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed (sort of) watching Paula for the eight seasons she was on American Idol. But it was beginning to be an unhealthy kind of voyeurism – kind of like watching a train wreck happen on live TV. You know you should look away, but part of you wants to see what will happen next. What inappropriate comment will she make to this season’s young hottie? What new way will she come up with to say “You LOOK good” when the contestant clearly butchers a song? What lame comeback will she send Simon’s way?
So now Ellen will be sitting in Paula’s chair and I think this will be a huge improvement for a number of reasons:
- She is funny – and not in a I’m-laughing-AT-you-not-with-you kind of way. I think we can count on some really funny lines that do not come at the expense of anyone’s pride or self-image.
- She can TOTALLY take on Simon and win. Paula was in waaaaay over her head on this one. You may not like Simon, but you have to admit he was ahead of Paula on the IQ scale (probably by double digits). Ellen is as sharp as she is funny and will definitely give Simon a run for his money.
- Ellen is not afraid to poke fun at herself. Paula’s delicate ego prevented her from seeing the humor in a lot of situations. Ellen is secure enough to put herself out there when appropriate and always puts those around her at ease.
So, assuming they can round up a decent pool of talent, I have to say that I predict this 9th season of American Idol could be one of the best ones yet. (And if it doesn’t work out, I have a sneaking suspicion Paula will still be available.)