The jury’s out on the new judge, who didn’t make much of an impression. By Gil Kaufman Ellen DeGeneres (file) Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ WireImage Eh. That was the general consensus Wednesday morning (February 24) of Ellen DeGeneres’ live-show debut on “American Idol.” While DeGeneres didn’t have a face-plant like Kara DioGuardi had during her performance-show debut last year, our experts said, the comedian also didn’t provide the kind of leadership the show will need when Simon Cowell leaves . “It was an OK debut,” said Rickey Yaneza, webmaster of “Idol” blog Rickey.org . “It really reinforced, though, that Simon is the star judge of the show, and I even felt like they were propping him up a bit, romanticizing him by having her sit at the other end.” Yaneza said after only one live show — and a handful of well-received pre-taped Hollywood rounds — it’s obviously a bit early to form an opinion on DeGeneres’ impact, but he wondered if she was going to be able to provide the kind of substantive, sometimes cutting commentary Cowell has made his signature. “Her comments were kind of rambling, and she didn’t say much — mostly ‘I like you,’ which isn’t of much substance,” he said. “If she’s the judge that will prop up contestants [in the absence of former judge Paula Abdul], there weren’t too many high points.” Another avid “Idol” blogger, MJ Santilli of MJsBigBlog.com , said despite her years of stand-up experience and copious TV work, DeGeneres appeared a bit nervous and jumpy at times. “But I think she did pretty well for her first night out — certainly no worse than the rest of the panel, who tend to repeat themselves and talk in clich
