Ellen: Simon is "Meaner" than I Thought
Ellen DeGeneres, the newest judge on "American Idol," says Simon Cowell is "meaner" than she thought.
Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and various guest judges kicked off the ninth season of the Fox singing competition last month. DeGeneres begins her stint Tuesday night.
Photos: Ellen DeGeneres
Photos: Simon Cowell
In a video posted on the show's Web site, DeGeneres says Cowell is "actually meaner than I thought. It's hard to listen to him tell people things and for me not to go, `You poor thing!"'
Photos: "American Idol" Season Eight
Kelly Clarkson
Carrie Underwood
The British TV personality, who has been an "Idol" judge since the talent show launched, has announced that he's leaving "Idol" after this season. Paula Abdul left this season over a salary dispute.
DeGeneres says no one has given her advice on judging - "they're just letting me do what I want to do."
Check out CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric's interview below with DeGeneres about American Idol and other topics: