A long-running “inside joke” between American Idol stars Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell has come to an end, now that Ellen Degeneres has replaced Paula Abdul on the show. Fans of the show know that there has been a weird, often inappropriate sexual tension between host Seacrest and judge Cowell for years, with Simon constantly cracking gay jokes. But according to sources, that’s about to change, because producers don’t want to offend Ellen.
Don’t expect to hear Simon Cowell needle Ryan Seacrest about being gay on “American Idol” this season, sources say.
“Idol” execs have warned both stars to cut out their usual gay banter when talk-show host Ellen Degeneres, who came out of the closet years ago, joins the series, insiders say.
Simon and Ryan have had their fun poking at each other’s sexuality for eight seasons now, even though neither one of them is gay.
“With an openly gay woman coming on board, an effort is being made to make her feel welcome,” a source divulged.
“Simon’s been told, and to a lesser extent Ryan too, that the act is played out anyway, so no more ribbing each other about being gay. The ‘Idol’ bosses don’t want it.”
Simon has ribbed Ryan mercilessly about his sexuality for years, even advising him to “lose the beard” when he briefly dated actress Teri Hatcher. Meanwhile, Ryan has joked that Simon is a cross-dresser.
“Idol” boss Simon Fuller was never fond of the gay joshing, according to another source, but the show’s former producer Nigel Lythgoe thought it was hilarious.
“Nigel thought the gay talk was over the heads of most of the kids who watch the show,” the source told The Enquirer. “But Simon (Fuller) says with Ellen coming on board, he wants it stopped.”
[From The National Enquirer print version, Oct. 26, 2009]
I agree with this decision, and also think the act is played out. But not for the same reasons as “Idol” producers. I think Simon and Ryan should just get a room already and get it over with! Okay, I was kidding. But as for the belief that kids don’t understand the gay jokes, I have news for them: my 9-year-old definitely gets it. And I really don’t want her thinking that it’s okay to make fun of someone and call them gay just because you don’t agree with them. It seems like the gay jokes are Simon’s “go to” response whenever Ryan calls him out on an opinion. I mean, I definitely think Seacrest is a closet case, but that’s his business. Their little psychodrama is kinda tired and takes too much time away from the contestants. Now, if the “Idol” producers could just replace Randy, the show might be watchable again.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLHLnpmirJOdxm%2BvzqZmcG1pZX9wrcyeqaKbkaOsqrDOpZasrJGnwKC70Z2cq52UlMGwq8Kuq5inpamstbTEmJ6asY%2BfvKyx0mg%3D