1. Oprah Winfrey — $315 Million
2. Beyonce — $87 Million
3. Britney Spears — $64 Million
4. Lady Gaga — $62 Million
5. Madonna — $58 Million
6. Sandra Bullock — $56 Million
7. Ellen DeGeneres — $55 Million
8. Miley Cyrus — $48 Million
9. Taylor Swift — $45 Million
9. Judge Judy Sheindlin — $45 Million

Reports of tension between Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell on the set of American Idol are confirmed in this video

Taylor Swift’s backstage view of the Grammys

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Kara DioGuardi is completely supportive of American Idol’s decision to bring Ellen DeGeneres on board. The sophomore judge told People magazine at an Emmy After-party, “I think it’s a genius decision. I wish I had thought of it.”

She added, “[Ellen will get along with everyone] 100 percent. I was on her show once and she’s lovely, generous, very kind. I think it’s going to be great.”

Meanwhile, Kara will be a guest co-host on The View on October 15th.

Paula Abdul took a high-profile swipe at her American Idol successor, donning a wig and suit to look like Ellen DeGeneres at Thursday’s (September 17th) VH1 Divas show as she attempted to mimic the new judge’s dancing style. After the minute-plus imitation, Adbul asked the audience, “Why are you all staring at me? Can’t a girl try out for a new job?”

Paula Abdul is offering her congratulations to the judge who will take her place.

Paula tweets: “I think Ellen will be a great judge on Idol. She is wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!”

Ellen DeGeneres will be sitting at the “American Idol” judges desk every January through May for the next five years.
It’s a five-year deal.
But, she doesn’t know if she’ll be sitting in Paula Abdul’s spot, next to Simon Cowell, for those five years.
She jokes that she’s asked “for a taller and bigger chair” than the other judges have.
Like a lifeguard stand.
And, speaking of the beach, DeGeneres says she can “guarantee” she will never wear a bikini on the show, like Kara DioGuardi did on the season finale last May.
 

RANDY JACKSON ADDRESSES ELLEN JOINING THE SHOW

Randy Jackson admits that American Idol — not DeGeneres made the first move before the hiring. He says, “I think we reached out a little bit,” and added of his new co-star, “Ellen hit it right on the head — I think she could be the voice of the people. It’s like somebody in the home audience watching and going, ‘What would I say [about this contestant]?’ Ellen’s going to be saying it for [them].”

Who would have guessed Ellen DeGeneres would be named “American Idol’s” new judge?

That was the stunning announcement she made yesterday while taping today’s edition of her talk show.

DeGeneres says she doesn’t know how it happened.

But, she says she has not missed one episode of the show.

She says she’ll approach “American Idol” like the fan she is and offer — quote — “the people’s point of view,” which, of course, is what the fans do when they vote.

She admits she doesn’t have technical knowledge and she’s not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind.

DeGeneres adds she’s not leaving her talk show, just adding “American Idol” as a second job.