Behind-the-scenes gossip at American Idol suggests that newest judge Ellen DeGeneres is making her presence felt in the form of outlandish demands and threats. And she seems so nice when the cameras are rolling.

Rumor has it that DeGeneres is asking for a clothing allowance of $150,000 for custom-made items to be worn on camera. According to an unnamed rumormonger, “Ellen feels it’s only fair because Paula [Abdul] received a hefty allowance for hair, makeup and wardrobe.”

Hardly a good argument, as Paula Abdul is no longer with American Idol due to contractual and money disputes.

Different sources say that DeGeneres has also put down her foot on some rumored shake-ups within the series. Reports have circulated for weeks that Idol is considering Howard Stern as a replacement for Simon Cowell, but the rumor mill says that Ellen just won’t have it. Sources claim that DeGeneres has clearly stated that she will leave if Stern is hired as a cast member on the show.

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