It’s Hollywood week on “American Idol,” but new judge Ellen DeGeneres came across like a college professor tediously grading undergrads. Lighten up Ellen! You’re supposed to be funny!
Or, as Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant once sang: “Does anybody remember laughter?”
On second thought, Ellen’s music background is so thin, she probably wouldn’t remember that, or Plant.
Instead, the talk show host and comedian was a weak Kara DioGuardi imitation.
And what’s with the dark-rimmed glasses? Afraid viewers wouldn’t take you seriously? You’re as bad as Sylvester Stallone.
Here’s the bottom line, you’re not supposed to be serious and thoughtful. That’s Kara’s job! Do you thing Ellen! Do your thing! This is showbiz, remember?
This week the show started getting down to business and by the time it’s over, 181 finalists will be trimmed down to 12 guys and 12 girls. The process is tedious enough, no need to contribute Ellen.
Ellen’s highly anticipated debut added little to the conversation. Veterans Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell still did most of the heavy lifting.
Standouts on the show included Lilly Scott, Didi Benami, singing one of Kara’s song and Janell Wheeler. But single mom Crystal Bowersox singing “Natural Woman” stole the show. What a voice.
Among the guys, Andrew Garcia played an acoustic-guitar version of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” and pulled it off. DioGuardi gave the highest compliment saying Paula would be screaming and clapping for him. Where is Paula when we need her?
Ellen did have one moment.
Breaking out of her serious shell, she told the last group to step forward, then to step back and then asks a guy to step to the left a little. Finally she tells them they are all through. Funny at last. Simon calls her a sadist, but more likely wishes he thought of it.
In the end, Ellen didn’t pick one fight with Simon. Does anybody remember Paula?
The only one OFF KEY is the writer of this article. Ellen DeGeneres did an excellent first night job, and many websites and reviewers are reporting that she will be, in the final analysis, the BEST judge on the Idol panel. Ellen is fair, articulate, intelligent, and caring. What more do you want?
I thinks Paula is better than Ellen .Forever love u so much,Paula!