When Ellen DeGeneres took the post of daytime talk show host, the move seemed appropriate, if not the best option available. After all, it had been years since the comedienne graced the small screen, her eponymous TV show turning sour after her character made the same bold gesture she had: restricting herself to button-down shirts-oh, and women.DeGeneres speaks of those days as dark times, her actions simultaneously receiving high praise and low ratings. Her ascension to TV host undid most of the damage, the combination of years past and DeGeneres' likeability giving the host a resurgence of popularity as well as a slew of professional, personal and political opportunities. Since the inception of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, DeGeneres has hosted the Emmys and the Oscars, denounced Proposition 8, married a woman and made a public, crying plea for a puppy.

Her success has probably now peaked with her latest job offer: the judge's chair on the most popular talent show in the U.S.-American Idol. But this position has not been doled out without bloodied hands, i.e. the ones that have clawed at Paul Abdul for the last eight seasons (yes, Simon Cowell's, but FOX's as well).

Paula shot back with some Idol-worthy tricks herself, gracing the VH1 Divas program as host and for a very tolerable 30 seconds as an Ellen-impersonator. More impressive than her Ellen-like dance moves? The speed at which it took her to soften the gesture. "All kidding aside, nothing but love, Ellen," she muttered, her mic to her mouth and her hand on her heart (oh my, the sincerity).

Like the wedding that features the perpetual spinster in her role next to the bride, in the scheme of American Idol, Abdul proves yet again, always a Paula, never a Simon.

The question remains, what role will Ellen take up in light of this recasting? Will she maintain Paula's cozy position, clutching her lavender bouquet, as all turn to the person beside her for the moment of truth?

Well, let's consider her response to Paula's act. "Paula-you're hilarious. You've left me with big shoes to fill. ... Unfortunately I don't wear high heels. Nothing but love for you too."

Some snip coated with sweetness. Maybe there will be more bouquet-throwing from the middle judge's chair this time around, after all.