Kara DioGuardi Speaks on Ellen DeGeneres

We reported how Ellen DeGeneres fit into her American Idol chair like a veteran. Her co-judge on the show, Kara DioGuardi speaks up in favor of Ellen. Speaking about the fact that the show didn't exactly put the limelight on the new judge, Kara said, "How it's edited and what you see is very different from my experience. I remember just thinking she was very funny and critical and had heart... It's edited in a specific way. It has to be. It has to be about the contestants."

We note something that isn't so convincing here. Surely Kara must be aware that viewers don't like her that much. So a new member on the judges' panel will definitely be something of a bother for her, make her insecure. But the show and the format has been modified a little this time around. With the TRPs not so great last time around, the show is finally focusing on the stars of the show: the contestants.

Kara fielded questions about comparisons between Paula Abdul and Ellen DeGeneres. If you remember, Paula quit the show after disputes over contracts with the makers of American Idol. Kara DioGuardi said, "Paula and Ellen [are] completely different, and I think they both bring something valuable to the table... It's something that takes time to get used to, and I think [Ellen] did an incredible job for her first time there."

Ellen DeGeneres Debuts on American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres, the new judge on the 'American Idol' panel, debuted last night. You couldn't say that she looked out of place, and she'll definitely settle down as the show goes deeper into the season. She looked serious in her denims and glasses. The best part that we liked was that she didn't try hard to come across as funny; neither did she make any effort to make an impression. She was just soaking in the feeling of being on the hallowed panel of the 'American Idol'.

The way the show was shot had much to do with it. The cameras didn't linger much on the new face on the panel. As per the aim of the latest season of 'American Idol', the contestants are the ones hogging the limelight. And yes, Paula Abdul was missed! Andrew Garcia paid a rich tribute to the departed judge, singing an acoustic version of 'Straight Up'. Kara DioGaurdi praised his efforts well: "That was genius. Paula would be screaming and yelling and clapping and dancing..."

The show went off really well for some of the contestants. The ones chosen to proceed to the next round include Casey James, Haeley Vaughn, Mary Powers, Crystal Browersox, Didi Benami and Michael Lynche. For those interested in the back stories, Lynche's wife was heading to the labor room for the delivery of their first child as he took the stage! The group round will be the one to look out for now, because most of these performers like to do it solo. Watch this space for updates!

Hype Builds up for Ellen DeGeneres on American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres will be taking the judges' chair on 'American Idol' for the first time tonight. The excitement and anticipation of watching her is there, no doubt, but the die-hard 'American Idol' fans are really looking forward to that name which will replace that of Simon Cowell next season. As you guys know, Simon is on his way out as he's decided to quit and bring his British show, 'The X Factor', across the Atlantic.

Many names are being thrown up, some by legitimate channels, some by overeager viewers. Howard Stern wants to take on the mantle himself! He pitched for the post unabashedly as he spoke: "I can't imagine anyone else but me replacing [Cowell]. How else are they going to make that show work? Who knows how to broadcast and who knows how to be interesting? And who's not afraid to speak their mind?"

Working in his favor are his love for being outspoken and also his knowledge about music. What's more, Stern is more than keen to take it up, provided the money is right. He said, "It might be possible, we'll see. They'd have to pay me a ton of dough, because I already make a ton of dough." His contract worth $500m with Sirius radio expires this year. Do you think he can be a suitable replacement?

Hype Builds up for Ellen DeGeneres on American Idol

There's just another day to go for the Hollywood Week to begin. This Tuesday viewers will also watch the new judge, Ellen DeGeneres for the first time on the American Idol stage! The hype surrounding her appearance on the show was slowly building up and this has reached a crescendo now. The judges' panel has always been the center of attraction on the American Idol platform. This heated up after the exit of Paula Abdul over contract disputes. The vacated chair will be occupied by Ellen.

Ellen has experience as a comedian and doing stand up acts. She's a performer and that experience will help her in her stint. The viewers are much curious to find out how the new judge will take on the contestants. The interpersonal equation between the judges is important as well. They are much keen to see the interaction between Ellen and Simon Cowell. Ellen has already made headlines by calling Simon "meaner" than what she took him to be.

The erudite viewer may question Ellen's credentials when placed beside the likes of Randy Jackson, a music producer, songwriter Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell, who happens to own two record labels, along with the formats of several talent shows. But, as Ellen says, "I'm someone who knows what it's like to be on stage and entertain. So I know what it takes. It's not like I don't listen to music constantly." The American Idol has seen a downward slide in the TRPs over the years. Will Ellen bring her own fan following along? How will she fare as a judge? Stay tuned on this column for updates!

Tension on the American Idol Judges Panel

There's tension brewing on the American Idol stage even before the new judge Ellen DeGeneres appeared on TV! She's in a power struggle with the outgoing American Idol judge, Simon Cowell. Ellen will be going on air on Feb 9. Viewers who are die-hard American Idol fans are looking forward to the date to find out how she will be getting along with the other judges on the show. But she's already into a sort of friction with Simon.

A source close to the American Idol producers said, "Their relationship started poorly, but now the situation has escalated." Simon turned up one and half hours late for a TV spot and that miffed Ellen. She was "greatly annoyed" at Simon for making her and the entire crew wait. Looks like Ellen is trying to take over control because Simon is on his way out to bring his successful UK Show, The X Factor, to the American shores.

A source close to the American Idol network said, "There's two camps on the show this season. It's a lot more tense than previous seasons. It seems as if Ellen has decided to try to take control since Simon is on his way out and that's created problems." This definitely promises the TRPs to soar. We are used to watching scripted squabbles among reality show judges. We would love to watch a real one, wouldn't we?

Another Grammy for Carrie Underwood

A glittering member of the American Idol alumni is Carrie Underwood. She won the fourth season of American Idol and last night she picked up another Grammy! This is the 5th Grammy that she has won. This time it was for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "I Told You So". The song also features Randy Travis. Other than taking home the trophy, she also performed "Earth Song" in memory of Michael Jackson, along with Jennifer Hudson (another American Idol winner), Usher, Celine Dion and Smokey Robinson.

Carrie Underwood debuted her Grammy wins with Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Jesus, Take the Wheel" in 2007. She followed it up with a Grammy win in 2008 for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, this time for "Before He Cheats". She won the 2009 Grammy in the same category as well, for the song "Last Name". In 2009, Underwood became the highest-selling American Idol ever. She beat Kelly Clarkson by a good 800,000 units. Her single "Cowboy Casanova" debuted on the top of the charts, making her the female solo artist with the most numbers in the Top 10.

Carrie Underwood is one of the many success stories that took off from the American Idol stage. Fame like this makes talented youngsters line up for the American Idol auditions every year. American Idol is not just a stage for them, it like a launcher that will propel them towards success and make them household names.