Claim: Ellen DeGeneres Wants to Knock Simon from Perch

American Idol Ellen DeGeneres National Enquirer Paula Abdul Simon Cowell

4:48 pm, September 17th, 2009

Is Simon Cowell about to be taken down a peg?

The National Enquirer is reporting that new “American Idol” addition Ellen DeGeneres won’t be satisfied in Paula Abdul‘s old seat – she intends to be the show’s top judge and to revamp its tone.

“Ellen doesn’t want the seat in the middle,” the tab claims in a story titled “‘Idol’ Threat: Ellen Wants Simon’s Spot on Show,” saying the talk show host “wants to be the last judge to offer an opinion so her words will be the final thing ‘Idol’ fans hear on contestants.” But hasn’t that role always been Cowell’s? “She’s always felt Simon was too nasty,” and she’s planning to make ‘Idol’ a “kinder, gentler show.” The Enquirer warns that Cowell won’t be able to push DeGeneres around, as she “won’t be bullied or swayed by him.”

While a rep for DeGeneres has yet to get back to Gossip Cop, another source tells us that, yes, DeGeneres is a kinder, gentler personality than Cowell – but that she’s NOT gunning for his seat.

Gossip Cop will keep all “Idol” fans updated on any developments regarding the show’s format.

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