Posted by Adam

Tuesday September 22, 2009

Ellen DeGeneres insists she’ll be a “great judge” on American Idol — because she’s spent her entire life being judged by others.

The openly gay chat show host is set to replace Paula Abdul on the smash hit TV talent show — and she’s adamant producers have made the right choice by picking her.

“Apparently, there’s a lot of debate going on right now, whether I’m qualified or not to be the new judge on American Idol,” Ellen says on Tuesday’s episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “I’ll tell you right now, how I know I’m going to be a great judge — because I’ve spent my whole life being judged. So, I know what it’s like. 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.”

“I’m very excited to be on the show,” she added. “I will tell you that right now. I just continue to be excited every single day. I knew people would have opinions, and I did not want to know what they were because why should I take that stuff in? I try not to watch anything that I think is going to be talking about me….”

As for Paula’s impersonation of her on last week’s VH1 Diva’s Live, Ellen joked: “And, I have nothing but love for you too Paula — but I want my wig back. I really do. Give it back.”

The new season of  Idol kicks off next January on FOX.

Tags: american idol, ellen degeneres