Ellen Defends Her Right To Be First Blonde Judge On Idol

Ellen has hit out at critics who claim she isn't qualified to fill pop-star Paula's shoes as the new judge on American Idol.

"I know there is a lot of chatter," Ellen said during a taping of her show. "I thought America had moved past this. First, we have the first African American President. We've sworn in our first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice. I think American Idol is ready for their first blonde judge."

Ellen went on to say, "I'll tell you right now, how I know I'm going to be a great judge. I've spent my whole life being judged. So I know what it's like." She quipped. "So I will be kind. I will be compassionate. I will be empathetic, and I will be truthful. I will be an honest judge without being mean."

Sounds like she's just the antidote to Simon that Idol needs!