Some fans might be divided on the addition of Ellen DeGeneres to the “American Idol” judges’ table – but Randy Jackson told Access Hollywood that the daytime talk show host is bringing the heat the FOX reality series.
“Ellen DeGeneres, the fourth judge of ‘American Idol’ – hot, hot!” Randy told Access on Thursday at an EIF event in New York City. “We love it, she’s a good girl, she’s a good friend. I’m excited… it’s going to be fun We’re going to have a good time.”
Randy said he expects Ellen to add a whole new perspective to “Idol.”
“She’s like the voice of the people,” Randy explained. “Simon and I and Kara are all music experts, it’s what we do. And, I think it’s nice to have a voice of the people up there. We may say, you know, ‘Those notes are all weird and you didn’t sing the melody correctly.’ But, you know [Ellen] may say, ‘At least it was kind of pleasant.’”
Randy told Access that he has yet to hear from Paula Abdul – who chose not to return to the show last month – about her replacement.
“I haven’t spoken to her yet,” he said. “But, you know, I’m sure she’s cool.”
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Ellen announced the “Idol” news during a taping of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Wednesday.
“I have a big announcement to make. No one knows this. I just finally got the OK … just moments ago to announce this to you today…I am going to be the new judge on ‘American Idol,’” Ellen told her audience on Wednesday afternoon, for her show which will air on Thursday.
Although Ellen is known for being one of the funniest ladies on television, the news was no joke, as the announcement was confirmed to Access Hollywood by a rep for FOX.
“I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the ‘American Idol’ family,” Simon Fuller, the show’s creator and executive producer, said in a statement issued to Access Hollywood. “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”
However, Ellen will remain the host of her talk show, she promised her audience.
“I’m not leaving here. Don’t worry about that. I’m going to have a day job and a night job,” she said. “The times we’re living… in we’re all doing that.”
Ellen called her additional job “exciting” and explained that her judging credentials are accentuated by the fact she has watched the show – which begins its ninth season in January – since it began on FOX.
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