DeGeneres: She’ll be honest but kind on ‘Idol’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ellen DeGeneres is known for being nice. But the new “American Idol” judge says she’s tough enough to be honest with the show’s contestants.

DeGeneres also said Thursday that she’s ready to take on fellow judge Simon Cowell, known for his sarcasm toward both singers and his “Idol” colleagues.

When Cowell is “rude and mean,“ DeGeneres said, she’ll tell him. But she said she’ll find a compassionate way to critique the contestants.

DeGeneres will join “American Idol” as the fourth judge when the show returns for its ninth season in January. The seat opened up when Paula Abdul resigned in the midst of a contract dispute.

DeGeneres, who signed a five-year deal with “Idol,“ will continue with her daytime talk show.