Ellen DeGeneres Brings Honest Critiques to Her 'American Idol' Debut

Wed, 10 February 2010 02:40:18 ET

Kicking off her performance as 'Idol' new judge on the first round of Hollywood Week, the host of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' isn't afraid on uttering some sharp truth to the contestants.

Making her "American Idol" debut on Tuesday, February 9 on the first round of Hollywood Week episode, Ellen DeGeneres showed that she is more than capable of being a judge on the singing competition show. The host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", who was brought into the judging panel to replace Paula Abdul, didn't only bring jokes but also some honest critiques.

The 52-year-old got the chance to show that she won't hold back any harsh comments after Antonio "Skii Bo Ski" Wheeler covered The Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud To Beg". "You frighten me," she said after the performance. "You were stalking us. You were like a leopard behind a cage." She added, "...seriously, don't frighten your audience - don't get so intense. Sexy and scary; it's a fine line."

The comedienne's candid words to Skii Bo Ski weren't the only ones she offered on the episode. She admitted to one contestant, "I'm tired as it is, and that almost put me right out." To another one, she said, "It was crazy, I think, in a bad way. You should put some shoes on, dear - it's filthy here. Hollywood is a disgusting town."

Though bringing in a healthy dose of critiques, DeGeneres came with a mixed-message when having to comment on Atlanta standout, Vanessa Wolfe. "You're unique," she praised Wolfe after the 20-year-old delivered a questionable song choice, Blind Melon's "No Rain". She added, "I think you have a unique quality that you should embrace and just accept who you are." Wolfe was send packing in the end.

The first round of Hollywood Week saw 181 hopefuls trying out to impress the judges once again. They were grouped into eight and got to choose to bring instrument or a capella. "Barney" girl Erica Rhodes and sisters Bernadette and Amanda Disimone were among those fallen. 95 people remained as they head to the group round, which will be aired on Wednesday, February 10.

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