Ellen DeGeneres Is Firm, Funny On 'American Idol' Debut

Before even the first note was sung, though, DeGeneres started her "Idol" tenure by addressing the 181 aspiring finalists gathered in the Kodak Theater. "People say, 'What do you know about music?'" DeGeneres said.  "I'll tell you what I do know. I do know what it's like to stand onstage and try to please an entire room full of people. That is a hard thing to do."

The daytime talk show host and comedian proved herself to be more than capable at judging musical talent. When Orlando-based 22-year-old Antonio "Skii Bo Ski" Wheeler unnervingly paced his way through a rendition of the Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud To Beg," DeGeneres was brutally candid.

"You frighten me," she said, triggering a few laughs among the contestants watching from their seats. "You were stalking us. You were like a leopard behind a cage." When Wheeler countered, "This is the American dream!" DeGeneres replied, "Of course. But seriously, don't frighten your audience -- don't get so intense. Sexy and scary; it's a fine line."

Many debated whether DeGeneres would get along with her new judging partner Simon Cowell -- especially in light of reports that they had clashed during taping of the Hollywood rounds -- but the two showed no signs of a feud.

"So this is it, huh? I come on, you leave," DeGeneres said to Cowell, who laughed awkardly. The British judge will leave "American Idol" when this season wraps and bring his own singing competition show, "The X Factor," to the U.S.