Ellen's Thoughts

There's a lot going down on "American Idol" this week. They're cutting so many contestants. Tonight it goes from 24 down to 12. That's crazy! They might as well eliminate half of them.

I'll tell you one thing about this season of "American Idol" -- the talent is incredible. I think this is the most talented group they've ever had.

On Wednesday night, some of the boys did a great job. I love James Durbin who sang the Judas Priest song, and Jacob Lusk who sang "A House is Not a Home," but I have to say my favorite guy is Casey Abrams. He has great musicality, which I hear is important in a music competition.

Continue reading "My Thoughts on American Idol: The Top 24" »

Last night, "American Idol" was 2 hours long again, which is great news -- so long as I remember to TiVo "Ghost Hunters."

I love Hollywood week because that's when we get to see the contestants work together. It's very important to play well with others. I learned that in kindergarten. If you don't play well with others, you don't get the good blocks, you don't get to take the gerbil home on the weekend, and you definitely don't get a record deal.

Like every season, it was sad seeing a lot of my favorites go. But with so much talent this year, you can't lose your grip for a second or you could wind up flat on your face. It's a lot like pole dancing.

A lot of good people were cut, but my top people are still in the running and there were a lot of great people that I hadn't seen before. I can't wait to see who makes it through tonight.

View photos of Ellen with "American Idol" stars!

Continue reading "My Thoughts on 'American Idol': Hollywood Week " »

Well, the "American Idol" auditions are over, which means one thing... they'll finally stop showing the clip of that poor cameraman getting trampled by the guy doing a backflip.

It also means no more crazy costumes. I liked a lot of them. My favorite was the pirate outfit, but Steven Tyler always looks great.

For a second, I thought the man dressed as a Transformer was going to have a great voice. But then I realized something... he's dressed as a Transformer. The people in costumes never do very well. I don't think Carrie Underwood came to her first audition in a chicken suit.

It makes me nervous when the contestants tell a really sad story before they sing. I think if they show us a 3-minute taped piece about how their house burned down, they should get to go to Hollywood. If not, they should at least get to go on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Randy can say, "It was a little pitchy, dawg. But take a look at your new house!"

I think they found some really great singers this season. I can't wait to see them all in Hollywood Week. And I won't have to wait long, because it starts tonight!

Watch what Adam Lambert told Ellen about the new season.

Continue reading "My Thoughts on 'American Idol': The Last Auditions" »

"American Idol" was great last night. I miss being there with all the excitement, but watching from home has its benefits. The boy who sang really high was great. I'd love it a little higher. A little higher. Right there. Sorry, I was talking to my masseuse.

I was glad Hollie Cavanaugh got a second chance. She was the girl who almost couldn't sing in her audition because of all the pressure. Now she's off to Hollywood, where, as we all know, the pressure is much, much less.

My favorite was the last contestant, Casey Abrams. I love it when they save the best for last. People do that all the time, like at the Oscars, or jelly bean flavors, or picking dodge ball teams. At least that's what my mama told me.

Tonight the auditions are in Los Angeles. I can't wait. I hope someone sings Stop It That Tickles! Excuse me. I was talking to my masseuse again. He's very forward.

Watch what judge Jennifer Lopez told Ellen about the new season.

Continue reading "My Thoughts on 'American Idol'" »

This is a great time of year, isn't it? The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you can smell summer just around the corner... it's either summer or Aunt Bee is cooling a rhubarb pie on the windowsill. "Andyyyy?" It's not summer yet... and I have a confession to make; I've been wearing my shorts. I know you're saying, "Ellen, it's only May! Are you Loco?" And to that Isay, "Un poquito."

I love shorts. I find that shorts are the most underrated article of clothing. They're cool and breezy. Most shorts have pockets, so there's always a place to put your hands. And when you're wearing shorts, you're really saying, "I feel casual AND confident... I'd like to introduce you to my legs." I actually like to wear longer shorts. Shorts are so long now, they're pants. And that's fine with me, but they need to be baggy. If they're tight, then they're Capri pants, the cousin of the short. I say the baggier the better, because if you're like me, your weight fluctuates and you have clothes ranging from size 8 to 12. These can go right in the middle. When you're a size 8, they sit a little lower. When you're a size 12, they're a little higher. Either way, you're good to go.

There are so many types of shorts. There're culottes, gauchos, Bermuda shorts... those come with a camera you can hang around your neck and a fanny pack. I have one tip for you if you're putting on shorts for the first time in a long time: moisturize! We neglect our legs all winter long, and if you put shorts on before you moisturize, it looks like you're standing on two, long HoneyBaked Hams. And Easter's over.

Continue reading "Shorts: The New Pants" »