Ellen DeGeneres on American Idol

MYFOXNY.COM -- Ellen DeGeneres made her first appearance on "American Idol" in Paula Abdul's seat.

Ellen's debut coincides with Hollywood Week, in which hopefuls from around the nation will endure an intense rehearsal schedule and pressure-packed auditions as they vie for a coveted spot among the Top 24.

Contestants will be put to the test during solo performances and group numbers Tuesday, Feb. 9, Wednesday, Feb. 10, and Tuesday, Feb. 16 as the judges decide who will make it through and who will go home. Finally, on Wednesday, Feb. 17, this season’s Top 24 semifinalists will be revealed.

ELLEN'S BIO

Ellen's career began as an emcee at a local comedy club in her hometown of New Orleans, which led to national recognition in 1982 when her videotaped club performances won Showtime's "Funniest Person In America" honor. DeGeneres began her acting career in television on the FOX sitcom "Open House." She moved on to ABC's "Laurie Hill," prior to being offered a part on "These Friends of Mine" by ABC. After the first season, the show was renamed "Ellen." Running from 1994 to 1998, the show garnered record ratings, with Ellen receiving Emmy nominations each season in the Best Actress category. In 1997, Ellen was the recipient of the coveted Peabody Award as well as earning an Emmy for writing the critically acclaimed "Puppy Episode" when her character came out as a gay woman to a record 46 million viewers.

Both on and off screen, Ellen's humanitarian efforts take center stage. She is passionate about bringing awareness to the people of New Orleans, her hometown, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and her efforts have resulted in "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" raising over $10 million to improve the lives of New Orleans residents. Overall, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" has raised over $50 million and brought attention to various causes, including global warming and animals. Additionally, Ellen continues to raise awareness about breast cancer, and served as spokesperson for General Mills' breast cancer awareness initiative, Pink for the Cure, and hosted special episodes of her show to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Since she was first nationally recognized in 1982 as a comedian in New Orleans, Ellen's many contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her numerous accolades including a Golden Apple Award as Female Discovery of the Year from the Hollywood Women's Press Club; a Lucy Award honoring women in Television and Film, as well as an Amnesty International Award.

--FOX