Ellen’s good judgment

Ellen DeGeneres’ “American Idol” debut Tuesday was a hit with fans and fellow judges alike.

Internet posts largely praised her performance. Andy Dehnart of the TV blog realityblurred.com called her “more polished and on-point than the people who’ve been sitting at that table for eight years.”

Judge Kara DioGuardi, herself a newcomer last year, said DeGeneres “brought a sense of humor, of course, but I think she knows more about music than you think she does.”

But Dave Della Terza, founder of the VoteForTheWorst.com “Idol” Web site, said DeGeneres “was trying way too hard. Her critiques weren’t funny because no one wants to see a stand-up act at the judges’ table.”

Jay walks away quietly

Jay Leno’s final 10 p.m. comedy show passed Tuesday night with less fanfare.

“This show was supposed to be on for two years, but we got five months for good behavior,” quipped Leno, who returns to the “Tonight” show March 1.

Back to the Strip

Celine Dion is returning to the Las Vegas Strip in 2011 to begin a three-year run at Caesars Palace.

Her previous show, “A New Day,” grossed more than $400 million and was seen by nearly 3 million fans over five years before closing in December 2007.

New to the strip

Meanwhile, Levi Johnston, the 19-year-old father of Sarah Palin’s grandson, will appear on the March cover of Playgirl magazine, sporting nothing but a sultry gaze.

The birthday bunch

Actor Leslie Nielsen is 84. Actress Tina Louise (“Gilligan’s Island”) is 76. Actor Burt Reynolds is 74. Musician Sergio Mendes is 69. Singer Sheryl Crow is 48. Actress Jennifer Aniston is 41. Singer-actress Brandy is 31. Singer Kelly Rowland is 29. Actor Taylor Lautner is 18.