DioGuardi lauds DeGeneres as Idol judge

LOS ANGELES (AP) - "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi is glad to have Ellen DeGeneres on the panel this season but expressed doubt that shock jock Howard Stern could make the cut as a replacement for Simon Cowell.

DioGuardi also suggested that speculation about tension on the set between DeGeneres and Cowell is unfounded, saying any rumor about the show should be taken with a grain of salt and is usually untrue and "just ridiculous."

DeGeneres made her debut Tuesday on "American Idol," which continues with its Hollywood auditions Wednesday.

As for the possibility that's been floated of Stern joining "American Idol," DioGuardi said that someone with a musical background who knows how to groom artists should take over Cowell's chair when he leaves after this season.