New AI season with Ellen Degeneres

MANILA, Philippines - The biggest TV event in the planet is back and it’s bigger than ever. The brand new season of American Idol (AI), which airs on Q-11, has a brand new judge, Ellen Degeneres, and a host of stars: Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, and Kristin Chenoweth. And we’re just talking of the audition episodes here.

One of the reasons Season 9, which kicks off with a two-part premiere airing Jan. 13 and 14, 6 p.m., is widely anticipated is because of Ellen’s in the show. She joins resident Idol judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell.

Ellen is certainly one of the hottest stars in Hollywood and her recent win at the People’s Choice Awards is yet another proof of her popularity. Last September, Idol announced Ellen as resident judges following the departure of Paula Abdul from the show.

A self-described music fanatic, Ellen said in a press statement released shortly after the announcement, “I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol. I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true. And think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”

The accessible humor and nurturing persona aside, Pinoy fans love Ellen even more after she has featured four — and counting! — Filipino musical acts on her show. She was the first to feature Charice Pempengco on US television. That was December 2007, after extending an on-air invitation for the young singer to guest on her show.  Ellen has also featured Fil-Am duo Rin on the Rox, Journey’s Arnel Pineda, and just last December 2009, Rhap Salazar.

The premiere episodes of American Idol also feature some of the funniest and most memorable Idol auditions across the US. Season 9’s Jan. 13 episode will show the Boston auditions held at the Gillette Stadium; the Jan. 14 episode will feature the Atlanta auditions held at the Georgia Dome.  

Other audition venues include Cowboys Stadium, Dallas; Rose Bowl, Los Angeles ; United Center, Chicago; and Amway Arena, Orlando. As expected, thousands lined up for the chance to become the next American Idol.

Posh Spice and the other guest judges appear during the audition, one guest judge at a time. This means viewers are going to have fun guessing which audition venue their favorite star will show up as guest judge.

Two more thrilling questions for American Idol Season 9: How will Ellen affect the dynamics among the Idol judges? Will another Pinoy emerge among the Idol hopefuls?