idol2.jpgPhoto credit: Michael Becker/FOX

And so it begins!

Ellen DeGeneres replaced poor Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on this season's American Idol - and she's just in time for the Hollywood round of auditions!

But while tonight's episode was taped last month, the real challenge will come in the next few weeks when Ellen will have to prove herself live. Question is, will she be too nice? And will she and Simon clash? They already have some alleged "friction."

Ellen politely acknowledges Simon being "mean," but that's why we watch the show! Because he actually knows what he's talking about. Ellen has admitted: "I hate hurting people's feelings, so that, I think, is the hardest part."

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell is abandoning Idol next year for The X Factor... the most recent names in the running to replace him? Guy Oseary and even Howard Stern! Personally, I'd go with Guy.

But what if Paula joins Simon on The X Factor? Could American Idol become obsolete?

Better start watching tonight if you haven't already - this could be the show's last good year! Check out the latest teaser below: