Everyone Loves Ellen on 'Idol'

Just about everyone seemed to love Ellen DeGeneres's debut on 'American Idol' this week, including viewers and fellow host Kara DioGuardi. TVWeek.com reports that ratings for Ellen's Tuesday night debut were up one percent versus last year's first episode in Hollywood (although they note that the first episode on Hollywood always gets a bump in ratings). The site also reported that 27.7 million people tuned in, the most viewers the show has had this season.

DioGuardi lauded Ellen's debut to TV Guide, explaining that Ellen "knows more about music than you think she does" and saying she was a good judge of talent who speaks to contestants "with kindness, but also had criticism in there."
Ellen's high marks so far aren't surprising. Making your way in stand-up comedy is a harrowing experience, and it's nearly impossible not to take any judgment of your work personally. After all, it's just you, your ideas, and a microphone up there, and you're bound to be bad at the beginning. And it appears Ellen hasn't lost touch with that part of her past, and has a lot of compassion for people trying to express themselves.

On the other hand, she is still a comedian, and if there is something funny to say, she'll say it, even if it cuts a little (like telling one of the haughtier contestants he was dressed for Cirque Du Soleil). DioGuardi also told TV Guide she thought Ellen had an eye for spotting star potential, which seemed apparent this week more than her specific musical knowledge. Looking forward to that, her musical chops, coming out as the season progresses.