Ellen on American Idol?

Ellen wasn't signed on as the judge until after the auditions were already over so it wasn't possible to have her participate in that part. Until then they used guest judges to fill Paula's spot. But I believe she did sign on before the Hollywood week so she should be there.

Her not being a part of auditions had nothing to do with her not being in the music industry - it was simply because during auditions they didn't know she would be taking Paula's place yet.

I think she is to start after the auditions. Since Ellen is not in the music profession I think the producers thought it would be better to use people involved in music at least for the auditions. To me you don't have to be in the profession to know what bad sounds like.

She won't be there until the auditions are over. At least that's what I heard.

it was a joke