"American Idol" judge Randy Jackson spoke to ET about the headline-making news that Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul on the hit FOX show -- and he reveals why it's "almost impossible" to replace Paula.
Randy explains how Ellen landed the coveted gig, saying, "We had been looking -- Paula is very hard to replace, almost impossible, so… we went a different way."
Randy, who spoke to ET at the Entertainment Industry Foundation's NYC announcement of its new initiative to inspire service, went on to tell us: "Ellen is great, she's so smart, so quick, so comedic -- and I think, you know, she's the voice of the people and I think we need that at this time."
The music executive and "Idol" judge added that with himself, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell on the judges' panel -- there is enough of a music industry presence for the competition.
At the EIF event, ET also caught up with Caroline Kennedy -- who shared her thoughts about the outpouring of support her family received since the death of her uncle Ted Kennedy, and the importance of the new initiative.
As the centerpiece for the effort, Hollywood's leading charity has enlisted major broadcast networks ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC to be involved in an unprecedented, week-long TV event that kicks off on October 19. For more information on the "I Participate" campaign, please visit iparticipateusa.org.
Click the video to see more from the event, were Tyler Perry, Ashton Kutcher, Katie Couric and other stars came out to support the good cause.
Randy explains how Ellen landed the coveted gig, saying, "We had been looking -- Paula is very hard to replace, almost impossible, so… we went a different way."
Randy, who spoke to ET at the Entertainment Industry Foundation's NYC announcement of its new initiative to inspire service, went on to tell us: "Ellen is great, she's so smart, so quick, so comedic -- and I think, you know, she's the voice of the people and I think we need that at this time."
The music executive and "Idol" judge added that with himself, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell on the judges' panel -- there is enough of a music industry presence for the competition.
At the EIF event, ET also caught up with Caroline Kennedy -- who shared her thoughts about the outpouring of support her family received since the death of her uncle Ted Kennedy, and the importance of the new initiative.
As the centerpiece for the effort, Hollywood's leading charity has enlisted major broadcast networks ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC to be involved in an unprecedented, week-long TV event that kicks off on October 19. For more information on the "I Participate" campaign, please visit iparticipateusa.org.
Click the video to see more from the event, were Tyler Perry, Ashton Kutcher, Katie Couric and other stars came out to support the good cause.