Ellen DeGeneres Starts Work on American Idol

Wednesday January 13, 2010 12:00 AM EST

Jason Merritt/FilmMagic, Steve Granitz/WireImage

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While a new season of American Idol kicked off in Boston Tuesday night, Ellen DeGeneres has already started taping Hollywood week as a judge for talent search, which she called an "amazing time." But she's already dreading one aspect of her new job: telling contestants they won't make the cut.

"I don't like that and I'm not that kind of person -- because they have a name for a person who likes to hurt 's feelings -- it's called 'Simon,'" the talk show host said on an episode of her show set to air Wednesday.

Another small drawback for DeGeneres: not being able to tune in to the show anymore. "I couldn't watch American Idol last night because I was busy working on American Idol last night," she said.

DeGeneres also anticipates some changes in her nighttime routine as taping for the show continues.

Usually I'm in bed by 9 p.m., seriously, or 9:15 p.m. if I'm feeling crazy, but last night we were there until today," she says. "If they keep going like this, I'm going to have to put my pajamas on."

But a sleepy-eyed DeGeneres says the excitement about her new position -- and knowing the winners before anybody else does -- makes all the late nights worth it.

"If you have a good bookie let me know," she said. --Blane BachelorJason Merritt/FilmMagic, Steve Granitz/WireImage