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Paula Abdul is out, Simon Cowell is making his way toward the exit and Ellen DeGeneres makes her debut Tuesday night as Abdul's replacement on "American Idol."

While there's no question that DeGeneres is hilarious, her lack of music industry expertise makes her contribution to the show more fluff and punch lines than anything constructive. She proved when she was a guest judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" last season that she's no judge.

At least judges Randy Jackson, with his painful, repetitive hip-speak, and Kara DioGuardi, still struggling to find a personality, have real music industry credentials as record producers.

With Cowell's days numbered -- he announced last month that this is his last season on "Idol" -- the judge table is vulnerable. The show needs someone with his bite, honesty and knowledge.

Here are some people -- some rumored to be under consideration, some just suggestions -- who might make a better judge than DeGeneres:

Past finalist or winner: Kris Allen would be a respectable choice, and so would a runner-up such as Bo Bice or Clay Aiken.

Howard Stern: Stern is being eyed as a new "Idol" judge, and frankly, the no-holds-barred radio host could make a better Simon Cowell than Cowell. But we can't imagine Stern even being remotely interested.

Kathy Griffin: If you're going to go for a comedian, go with someone with some teeth. Griffin would be sure to tell contestants the brutal truth.

LaToya Jackson: Her off-the-wall wackiness would be a nice homage to Abdul, and maybe we'd even get a performance of her '80s song "Heart Don't Lie."

Wendy Williams: If you're going to go with a talk show host, why not Williams? She spent more than 20 years on radio and helped a number of stars break through.

Katy Perry: Of all the guest judges who have filled Abdul's spot, we think Perry has been the most constructive and enjoyable. If her career weren't so hot, she'd probably sign up.

Cyndi Lauper: Everybody loves this veteran pop star, and once she's done dealing with her vocal polyps, we think she has earned a place on this panel.

Jennifer Lopez: Instead of wasting time trying to sing about designer pumps, she might better serve herself with this high-profile gig.

Tommy Mottola: This legendary music industry executive, once married to Mariah Carey, can afford to be a take-no-prisoners, Simon-style judge. There are few industry vets left who are as revered as he is.

Sharon Osbourne: Imagine the scandal if Osbourne were to jump ship from NBC's "America's Got Talent" to Fox's "American Idol." She's already in the family, having served as a judge on the British talent show "The X Factor," produced by Cowell.