20 years ago this week, Paula Abdul continued to go straight up the Billboard Hot 100, rising 2-1 with her fourth No. 1, "Opposites Attract."

Paula Abdul is out, Simon Cowell is making his way toward the exit and Ellen DeGeneres makes her debut Tuesday night as Abdul's replacement on "American Idol."

Paula Abdul was a dancer. Ellen DeGeneres dances every day onher talk show. So when Abdul announced last fall that she wasleaving the " American Idol '' judging panel, DeGeneres was a naturalchoice to replace her.

Just as we are longing for the good old days when Paula Abdul would say something stupid and make " American Idol " interesting, Ellen DeGeneres arrives in the judge's seat at 8 tonight on Fox.

Ellen DeGeneres kicks off her "American Idol" career tonight -- and she's already having problems with Simon Cowell. Or so it seems. DeGeneres opens a new era in the life of TV's most popular show as she replaces Paula Abdul as the show's fourth judge. TOP 10...

Paula Abdul is gone. :( Despite her loopy behavior, questionable fashion choices and overall incoherence, Abdul was a familiar, even warm presence on the judging panel. The kooky link between Randy Jackson's catchphrases and Simon Cowell's cattiness. (We're still not sure what Kara DioGuardi contributes.)

RANDY Jackson has told pals he?s ready to quit American Idol. Randy ? who will be the last of the original judges after Paula Abdul quit last year and Simon Cowell leaves at the end of Idol?s current season ? apparently feels he?s being shoved towards the door. ?Randy was basically told that there was a very [...]

Paula Abdul was a dancer. Ellen DeGeneres dances every day on her talk show. So when Abdul announced last fall that she was leaving the ? American Idol ? judging panel, DeGeneres was a natural choice to replace her. Or maybe not. Chat boards immediately went wild with complaints. What does DeGeneres know about music, naysayers fumed, except that she enjoys it?

The former American Idol contestant, Julissa Veloz, grows up and puts out her first commercial release "Take Control" on Carrillo Music. Julissa Veloz became widely known as an American Idol contestant on Season 8. Her "Tiara Girl" persona was adored by then judge, Paula Abdul. Julissa gained fame by asking Paula Abdul to return for her audition after Abdul stormed out of the room, being upset ...

Personnel shake-ups have turned attention to the judges. Paula Abdul is out, Simon Cowell is making his way toward the exit and Ellen DeGeneres makes her debut Tuesday as Abdul's replacement.