Some of the world’s largest recording companies filed suit against The Ellen DeGeneres Show for allegedly playing more than 1,000 songs without permission.

Many of the songs were played during the "dance over" segment of the show, when DeGeneres dances from the stage to the interview area, often through the audience.

According to the suit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Nashville, when representatives of the recording companies asked defendants why they hadn’t obtained licenses to use the songs, defendants said they didn’t "roll that way."

"As sophisticated consumers of music, Defendants knew full well that, regardless of the way they rolled, under the Copyright Act, and under state law for the pre-1972 recordings, they needed a license to use the sound recordings lawfully," the suit states.

Scott Rowe, spokesman for the show’s Telepictures Productions, wrote in an e-mailed statement that the company has been working with the record labels for months to resolve the issue and remains willing to resolve it on "amicable and reasonable terms."

Rowe said the issue does not involve DeGeneres, who on Wednesday was named as the fourth judge on TV’s American Idol, and whom Rowe calls "a tremendous music enthusiast and advocate."

The suit claims the daytime talk show has used copyrighted music without permission since its inception, including "recordings by virtually every major current artist of popular music." It claims the show routinely used some of the most popular songs of the day, which the record labels don’t license for daytime television at any price.

Other songs cited in the lawsuit include Michael Jackson’s "Thriller"; The Beach Boys’ "Good Vibrations" and Will Smith’s "Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It."

The suit calls the segment and the music played by the show’s own disc jockey "signature elements of the show."

Plaintiffs include Arista Music, Atlantic Recording Corp., Capitol Records, Motown Record Company, Sony Music Entertainment, Virgin Records America and Warner Bros. Records.

The suit does not specify the dollar amount it seeks in damages.

There’s a good chance the great music helped make Ellen’s show more popular, which could make the show more liable.

Isn’t it hypocritical that the same Hollywood types that cry foul when someone uses their image, or copyrighted word, are also the same people infringing on other people’s copyrights.

Ellen DeGeneres (51) was chosen to replace Paul Abdul on American Idol. Fox said in a statement:

"DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition."

DeGeneres starts her judging after the audition rounds, which have featured a rotating group of celebrity guest judges including Shania Twain, Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas and Kristin Chenoweth.

We here Paula Abdul was stunned at being permanently replaced on American Idol by Ellen DeGeneres:

“Privately, Paula is very upset. She’s never going to admit it publicly but this stung.”

Publicly Abdul said:

"AMERICAN IDOL is a fantastic show that offers an invaluable platform to young talent. Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right."

"I wish her and the show only the best of luck.”

Abdul must be seething mad, but we’re happy to see her humbled.

Ellen is an incredible choice. With Ellen on the panel of judges American Idol might be able to sustain their viewers’ interest for a few more seasons.

Nine-year-old Yuto Miyazawa performed the Ozzy Osbourne hit single Crazy Train on Ellen DeGeneres. Yuto is amazing.

When asked who his idols are he said:

"Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads."

After Yuto completed his performance, which he made look easy, Ozzy came out on stage and presented Yuto with a picture. Yuto was excited and stunned. Wait until he tells his friends.

Lindsay Lohan went on the Ellen DeGeneres yesterday. Initially Lindsay started off lying by saying all the tabloids were printing rumors and made up stories about her. Ellen did an excellent job getting Lindsay comfortable enough to get her to start being honest. We know most of the stories about Lindsay have been true, and this interview comfirms it once again.

Lindsay is a perpetual addict, even in relationships, so it was no suprise to learn that she has been dating a string of guys after her breakup with Samantha Ronson.

Although Lindsay told Ellen she is still waiting to what will happen with Ronson, we don’t see a future for them, but Lindsay still holds out a fool’s hope.

As Ellen suggested, Lindsay should go away for a while and take a break to gather herself. Lindsay is an addict, and doesn’t quit anything until it quits her. Like Ronson, Lindsay’s career has quit her.

Halle Berry danced on Ellen DeGeneres yesterday to a song called She’s Fine by Hurricane Chris.