Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Want opinions on the latest twist on the American Idol judging panel?

There’s no better place to get them than at the York Fair on a Friday night when Kelly Clarkson, the first Idol, is performing on the grandstand.

Fans provided these reactions when asked what they thought of the news that Ellen DeGeneres is replacing Paula Abdul as a judge on Idol.

Let’s just say fans are rather divided on the issue.

Steve Forbes, 20, of York: “It’s sort of bittersweet. It was always funny watching Paula. She made the show interesting; she provided comic relief.”

Marykate McGowan, 17, of York: “I’m excited about it. I think she’s entertaining. I think she’ll be really funny.”

Emily Shirk, 14, of Lancaster: “I didn’t really like Paula because she was too nice. I don’t really know about Ellen yet.”

Britni Lindstrom, 20 of York: “She (Ellen) is funnier. She’s more laid back. I just like her jokes.” She added a prediction: That Simon and Ellen “will fight a lot.”

Amanda Turner, 21, York: “I think it’s awesome. Her personality is going to make her an amazing judge.”

Marissa James, 17, of York: “I don’t like it at all. I wanted Paula to come back. I probably won’t watch the show as much now. She (Paula) brought excitement to the show. She was always a little goofy.”

Samantha Lane, 14, of York: “I’m mad about that. I always liked Paula. She was sweet.”

Casey McHenry, 22, of Bloomsburg: “I think it’s great. I love Ellen DeGeneres. She’s so funny. She did a skit on the 10th anniversary show of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and it was great.”

Alicia Bealing, 14, of Hanover: “It’ll be something different. I wasn’t sad or anything (about seeing Paula leave the show). She was too nice. She just wasn’t hard enough on them.”

Jillian Pechiro, 19, of Lancaster: “I’m outraged. I’m a diehard Idol fan. I’ve never missed a season. In my opinion, Paula’s judging might have been down a little bit in the last couple of years, but I always get a laugh out of her. What does Ellen have to offer the music world? It’d be like me judging a cooking contest.”

Chelsea Spence, 20, of Lancaster: “I agree that Paula’s judging did go downhill. But my family and I got a lot of laughs out of her. On the other hand, I think Ellen is hillarious. It’ll be interesting to see her on the show.”

Autumn Palmer, 17, of Red Lion: “I don’t think her (Ellen’s) judging skills will be as good. Paula knows what she’s talking about. She’s even produced albums herself.”

Lisa Maudlin, 17, of Dallastown: “I like Paula better. I just prefer the original people. As far as Ellen goes, she doesn’t know anything about music.”

Sue Baskette, 38, of York: “I don’t know. I think Ellen is funny, but I’m not sure she’s quite right for Idol. She’s more of a comedian and not so much a judge.”

Dlainie Conley, 14, of York: “I don’t really like it. I don’t think she (Ellen) is right for the show.”

Check out:

Kelly Clarkson wows wet York Fair crowd

Seven years later, fans still loyal to Kelly Clarkson

Bucky Covington talks about his career, his new album and his upcoming York Fair show

Coming up:

Sunday: Coverage of Bucky Covington’s show at the York Fair

Tuesday night: David Cook talks about his career and his upcoming show at the fair

Friday: Coverage of David Cook’s show at the York Fair

Plus whatever else is happening in the world of Idol