zrosen12

                For the past three seasons I have watched American Idol, seeing past winners Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen perform. When I lived in Switzerland, every Friday night my friends and I would watch American Idol to support our favorite contestants. Even when our favorite singer did not win, we would still always enjoy the constant arguing between Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. However, it was announced a few months ago that Paula Abdul will not be returning to American Idol next season, and that Ellen DeGeneres will be taking her place.

                The hilarious fighting between Simon and Paula is one of the reasons why American Idol has become so popular. After each contestant sings and it is time for the judges to comment, viewers can always count on a humorous disagreement, so it is difficult to know how Ellen DeGeneres will change the balance of the show. Currently, Paula Abdul’s decision to leave American Idol has drawn a lot of media attention, leaving many upset that she will be gone. Her positive attitude always brought encouragement and hope to the contestants while Simon and Randy, another American Idol judge, often had much harsher comments. Ellen DeGeneres has not had any professional musical experience, so unlike Paula, she will be able to provide an opinion that the audience may be able to relate to more easily. Will having judge’s input from more of an audience’s perspective be fresh and unique or will it drive viewers away? We will find out soon on January twelfth, the season ninth’s premiere.