American Idol Gets Its First LGBT Judge: Ellen DeGeneres

categories: LGBT Celebrities, LGBT Entertainment

Published September 09, 2009 @ 06:05PM PT

Ellen DeGeneres

Well, she certainly doesn't have the chart-topping history that Paula Abdul has, but American Idol has named Ellen DeGeneres as its fourth judge for its upcoming season. Which means that the show is about to get a lot funnier, and about to launch Ellen DeGeneres' career into the stratosphere.

"I'm thrilled to be the new judge," said DeGeneres. "Think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote."

It's also likely to be a boon to the nearly nine-year old television show, which has seen its ratings dip these past few years to their lowest ever this past May. Guess they need, as DeGeneres might put it, "a homosexual standing in a suit" to get viewers watching again.

Either way, it's a good day for LGBT pop culture.

(Photo courtesy of ronpaulrevolt2008's photostream on Flickr.)

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I want Paula back

Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 09/09/2009 @ 06:28PM PT
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It's good that Ellen DeGeneres will become the fourth American Idol judge this year. More LGBT people becoming prominent in popular television spreads tolerance. American Idol's ratings have gone down because of the many years it has aired with the same objective, but different contestants with different styles. LGBT people shall not be forgotten when executives, or LGBT themselves, when selecting people for a good role in television.

Posted by Edwin Bonilla on 09/09/2009 @ 07:47PM PT
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Im thinking she'll be a good addition. :)

Posted by Thomas McHugh on 09/09/2009 @ 08:17PM PT
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Idol might be worth watching now with Ellen on board.

Posted by Jaye T. on 09/09/2009 @ 09:13PM PT
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but paula is hot sorry nothing against ellen

Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 09/10/2009 @ 11:25PM PT
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Cool! Congrats, Ellen. I think she is one of the best spokespersons for our cause to come along in a long time. You GO, Ellen!

Posted by Ioan Lightoller on 09/14/2009 @ 07:33AM PT
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Michael is the Communications Director for the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, and previously was Communications Director for Pax Christi USA, a progressive Catholic human rights organization.