VIDEO So, collective consciousness of America: Ellen DeGeneres is replacing Paula Abdul on American Idol. Did you reach for the smelling salts when you heard of the 'shocking' pick? Are you horrified that an openly gay woman is hosting 'Merica's favorite talent show? Probably not. (more...)

With the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court a near-fait accompli, America turns its attention, today, to another important vacancy: The spot on the American Idol bench that Paula Abdul abdicated earlier this week via Twitter.

The New York Daily News ran a list of possible replacements yesterday. Some were serious (Judge Judy - a natural match for Simon Cowell), some were not (Lou Dobbs - doesn't believe Aiken v Studdard is settled law), but the most intriguing name on the list, for me, was Meghan McCain. (more...)

Paula Abdul will not be back as a judge on American Idol, as she reported first on her Twitter feed last night. Why did she pull the trigger - especially when reports say she didn't necessarily have to? Abdul has spent eight seasons on the highly-rated show, and rumors she was thinking about leaving have floated for the last couple years. But few thought it would happen. In fact, some didn't buy it when the news first came out. (more...)

It's hard for me to admit this.  Because I'd like to have a $15 million a year job.  But I think the American Idol producers will get their money's worth after signing Ryan Seacrest to a 3-year contract. American Idol is one of the only shows I seem to be able to make time for regularly.  I've long said it's a near-perfect reality television creation, and the masses seem to agree.  The ratings have turned Idol into a billion-dollar franchise for Fox Television.  So the negotiations with the stars for contract extensions are less about what their services are worth and more about protecting the franchise at almost any cost. (more...)