I am really bummed to hear that this is Simon's last season on American Idol. Let's face it, he plays a huge part in why the show is such a success.
I don't really care that Paula left, I don't think that will change the show at all. I love Kara and think they should have booted Paula last year and let Kara take her place. We would've been fine this year without a fourth judge. I'm still interested to see how Ellen does as a judge. I love Ellen, but I don't know how I'll like her as an Idol judge. I just hope she doesn't try to be funny every time she talks. I don't want any forced jokes (please refer to when she judged on So You Think You Can Dance). I love Ellen though and I really do think she's hilarious. I hope she just meshes well and the show is the same (if not better) with her on it. I want to take her seriously as a real judge and not just as Funny Ellen. I hope I can do that.
I can't think of anyone who can take Simon's place. I'm sad that he's leaving and am worried at where that might take the show. I don't think his new show, The X Factor, will be very successful (didn't they already try it in the U.S. years ago?).
What do you think? Can the show go on without Simon? Will it be as successful, interesting, and balanced? Or is the star power lost?
