Here Comes The Judge
So Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul on American Idol. I don't like it. I've got nothing against DeGeneres, but she's a comedian. Previously, all the judges on AI were in the music business, which only makes sense, since they're judging a singing contest.
The whole point of the judges, in fact, is they offer their expertise. I don't think Ellen knows an obbligato from an ostinato. Everyone's got an opinion, but if there's nothing behind it, who cares?
posted by LAGuy @ 12:03 AM
5 Comments:
I think you are elevating the nature of Paula Abdul's (and the others) expertise. Being involved in the business while containing some specialized knowledge is not an expertise in predicting popularity (which is what these contests are about- not technical proficiency)
Ellen G (whether I like her act or not) is a successful entertainer and this is an entertainment contest which involves some singing.
Frankly- I think 3 randomly selected pop music fans could be as good or maybe better judges.
I don't watch AI, but from what I've heard, Simon Cowell is pretty much the king ego on the staff. What is the chance that Ellen's ego will fit at all with Cowell? In fact, wouldn't you consider Ellen a bigger star than Cowell?
The judges' expertise might not mean that much, but their comments are generally about the quality of singing, something that has nothing to do with Ellen's background. The judges were not picked for their celebrity (not even Paula, who'd been a major star) so much as them being a mix of views who (nominally, at least) know about the music scene.
As to Denver Guys point, Ellen has been a major comedy and TV star, and has actual talent as an entertainer, whereas Simon's fame (in America) comes almost entirely from being the sharp-tongued judge on American Idol. I don't know how you'd judge who's the bigger celebrity, but Simon being the biggest name on the biggest show of the last decade has to count for something (as his huge contract proves). As to their egos, I don't know what things are really like behind the scenes, but it's possible a (non washed-up) celebrity brought in from outside as a regular judge may throw off the balance.
I, as a musician, don’t feel she, Ellen, is a good replacement for Paula.
I see your point, London, but even with the market downturn, Paula's probably got enough saved up.
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