It has been a week since Ellen DeGeneres signed on to be the fourth "American Idol" judge, and Simon Cowell has yet to utter a peep about it.

While all the other judges on the "Idol" lineup have welcomed DeGeneres aboard as Paula Abdul's replacement, Cowell has remained mysteriously -- and uncharacteristically -- mum, sparking fans and "Idol" followers alike to wonder: Why so silent, Simon?

Is it solidarity for his frenemy, Abdul? Fear of having to match wits with the quick-thinking DeGeneres? Or maybe even lingering shock?

When asked whether the usually outspoken Cowell had any plans to speak about the situation, his spokesperson Lisa Dallos said, "Not at the moment."

It's strange that he'd have nothing to say, considering this is the same man who, just recently, told "The Early Show" that he would've passed on The Beatles if they'd popped up on stage during auditions for his UK talent show, "Britain's Got Talent." (Cowell's representatives hurried to release a statement saying that he was just kidding, folks.)

Until Cowell actually sets the record straight -- if and whenever that might be -- all we're left with are rumors and suppositions over why he won't say anything, either to congratulate DeGeneres or to express any miffed feelings.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that less than half a dozen people knew about the DeGeneres negotiations that took place over the course of two weeks prior to her hire, leading some to wonder if "Idol" creator Simon Fuller blindsided Cowell with the decision.

After all, earlier this summer, Cowell told "Extra" that "I don't get a lot of say [over the situation]. I've just made it clear that I want Paula on the show. Full stop."

Meanwhile, Randy Jackson told MTV, "Everyone will get along. We're friends of hers already, so she's good people."

But, if that's true and Cowell is such a good friend, why doesn't he speak up?

Chances are, it's because he's protecting Abdul, who was widely rumored to be in quiet negotiations with Fox after she Tweeted her resignation in August, up until the moment that DeGeneres announced her new gig during the taping of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" last week.

Even Abdul, as disappointed as she might be, sent her congratulations to DeGeneres, posting on Twitter, "I think Ellen will b a gr8 judge on Idol. She is wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!"

The only thing that Cowell has been quoted as saying -- before the DeGeneres announcement, of course -- about the whole kerfuffle is, "I miss my little Paula."

Simon isn't saying anything yet

STRIKEBREAKER ELLEN BLASTED
Last Updated: 5:00 AM, November 9, 2007
Posted: 5:00 AM, November 9, 2007

DAVID Letterman, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien all are supporting the striking members of the Writers Guild - but not Ellen DeGeneres.

The TV chat host crossed picket lines to tape her show Tuesday, the day after the union went on strike.

"There's a writers' strike going on, and here in Los Angeles, it's a huge story," she told her studio audience, defending her strikebreaking. (The episode will air today.)

"I want to say I love my writers. I love them. In honor of them today, I'm not going to do a monologue. I support them and hope that they get everything they're asking for. And I hope it works out soon. In the meantime, people have traveled across the country. They've made plans. They're here. I want to do everything I can to make your trip enjoyable and give you a show."

It's a decision DeGeneres may come to regret. On SurgicalStrikes.com, one former, unidentified, writer for her 2001-02 sitcom, "The Ellen Show," reports she treated her writers "like [bleep]."

"We'd watch her in rehearsals, smiling and winning us over with her charm and comic timing. Then the director would yell cut, her face would fall, and she'd level a glare at the writers. 'Why do you keep writing these unfunny jokes?' she'd hiss.

"Ellen frequently eviscerated the head writer and . . . boasted of the changes she'd make in season two, starting with his firing." But, the blogger continues facetiously, the axed writer "was a hack anyway - all he did after leaving was create 'Arrested Development' and win two Emmys for writing, another for Best Comedy."

The blogger also grumbles that DeGeneres "took to" a friend of his he identifies only as "J" and "put his jokes into her stand-up act, used his words to fill two full pages in her book, then promised him a job on her new show. When he met with a low-level producer, they said he didn't have the right experience, and Ellen pretended she couldn't do anything to help."

"I'm disappointed in Ellen [for crossing the picket line] but not surprised . . . given what I've seen from her with my own two eyes."

A TV insider said DeGeneres is unwilling to honor the picket line because "this is her last chance in show business. This show is the only thing keeping her from a lifetime of touring college campuses."

DeGeneres' rep didn't return e-mails.

Ellen seems to be the kind of person that just isn't as funny as a comedian should be.

On what the addition of Shankman means for guest judges, such as Mia Michaels or Tabitha and Napoleon D'mo:

It’s difficult to put them in as judges because I want them choreographing. And I still want Paula Abdul to pop in, and Jennifer Lopez has said how much she loves the program. We tried it with Ellen [DeGeneres], it was very successful. I just don’t want four judges every week. When available, when possible, they will judge. We sometimes have six and seven judges, but normally in a place where I can edit and keep everything tight. The only reason I don’t like that many is that it goes on and it waffles. With dance, people have something categorical to say, a criticism of the dancer they see and want to point out. But the fourth seat could still be a celebrity or a choreographer judge.

Oh God, Kathy Griffin would be a if she had been picked! I can see it now...

Kathy Griffin stands at the judges table and asks: "Where's my Gays at?" Pauses and then says: "Oh there you are Ryan!"

I think my making Ellen a Judge