Jordin Sparks: I Miss Ellen!!

Last week, "American Idol" fans were surprised to learn that Ellen DeGeneres would not return to judge the show, leaving after only one season at the judges' table. Though the announcement was met with mixed reactions, Jordin Sparks, who won the sixth season of the show, says she thought that once Ellen settled in, the talk show host "caught a good groove."

"I'm surprised because I didn't know until now and because I thought she caught a good groove with the show once she got used to it," she told MTV News in an e-mail. "I'm definitely going to miss watching her. She lit up the room and definitely knew how to break the ice if things got tense."

Now that there are two seats vacant, would Sparks, who has always been a vocal fan of Paula Abdul, want the former judge to step in? "I love Paula and I root for her either way," she explained. "She should come back if she wants to and if the show wants her."

And what if Sparks got the offer? Would she consider it? "Yes, because I've been in the contestant's position," she said. "And no because, even though it wouldn't be on purpose, I don't like hurting other people's feelings." Read More!

Ellen DeGeneres gives 'Idol' miss a break

Family tragedy, bad timing and tough competition kept Angela Martin from moving past "American Idol's" Hollywood Week in three separate seasons.

The 28-year-old mother of a special needs child learned Friday that, despite not making the top 24 again, two "Idol" judges will help get her singing career cranked up.

Ellen DeGeneres, who is in her first season as a judge, invited Martin onto her talk show to discuss her struggles and to sing. And, DeGeneres said, fellow judge Kara DioGuardi will pen a song for her.

Martin said her father was shot to death by her stepmother just before she traveled to Hollywood, California, two years ago for the show's seventh season.

She earned a ticket traveling from her Chicago home to Hollywood Week last year, but not having the money to pay for traffic tickets landed her in jail for six days.

"Being in that cell and watching 'American Idol' on the TV in jail, I just hoped people don't know who I am in here," Martin said.

Martin's mother disappeared two months ago, she said.

Police recently got a report that she was spotted on Chicago's South Side, which gives Martin hope her mother is alive, she said.

Martin missed the cut this week because of what DeGeneres called "a hard year" with strong competition.

She told DeGeneres the hardest part of losing again is finding a way to tell her 10-year-old daughter, who has a seizure disorder.

"You have had your share of really bad luck, and some sad things happening in your life, but your attitude is so amazing because you keep getting back up," DeGeneres told Martin.

Others, she said, will be inspired to keep trying because of her example.

"You don't let anything get you down," she said. "I love that about you."

At the end of her visit, DeGeneres revealed to Martin that DioGuardi -- who has written hit songs for Pink and Kelly Clarkson -- will write a song for her.

"You're going in a studio," DeGeneres said. "She is going to produce a song for you and we're going to get you a record label."

Martin can't audition next season because of the show's age limit of 28 for contestants.

"See how things turn out," DeGeneres said as she hugged Martin.

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