Whether a diehard, watch every minute fan, or more of a casual observer, one has always been able to give at least a little respect to the four people that have served as sitting judges on American Idol. These guys and gals have been there, and done that, and their opinion is from a standpoint of experience and knowledge. After all, when a dude's made Millions doing something, you get the feeling he knows what he is doing. But all of that has come to a screetching halt with the announcement that Ellen Degeneres is to replace Paula Abdul for the ninth season.

In an effort to put this decision into perspective, let's take a look at the other four judges:

Simon Cowell

You gotta love Simon with his dry British humor and razor sharp wit and tongue. Simon started his career in the mailroom of his Father Eric's company EMI Music Publishing, I'm sure you've heard of it. AT EMI Simon worked his way the corporate ladder eventually becoming a talent scout. In the early 1980's he left EMI and eventually signed on with BMG Records as a consultant. It was here that he signed a string of successful acts that scored BMG 150 million record sales and 70 top charting singles. In 2001 he and Simon Fuller produced Britains Pop Idol, which was an instant success, and led to the American version, American Idol in 2002.

No question about it, this guy knows talent when he sees it.

Randy Jackson

Randy started his music career as a session musician and in that capacity Randy has played with such acts as Herbie Hancock, Bob Dylan, and Journey. Randy has also taken his talent on the road recording and touring with Jerry Garcia, Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen, and Modonna. And if that wasn't enough he has also been an executive with Columbia Records and RCA Records.

No question here, the guy not only is talent, he has certainly worked around enough to recognize it when he sees it.

Paula Abdul

Sweet, pretty, Paula. She is the lightest weight among the four. But even as a lightweight, she can claim 30 million records sold, two #1 albums, six #1 singles, and a Grammy Award.

Another no brainer, the girl has earned her seat.

Kara DioGuardi