Ellen DeGeneres and the Road to American Idol

It remains to be seen just what role Ellen DeGeneres will play as she settles into a judge's chair on American Idol tonight. There have been reports about tensions with the departing Simon Cowell, and lord knows it will be difficult to duplicate the syntax-shattering critiques issued by the departed Paula Abdul.

But the bigger question is: What is it about Ellen that got her there? In a country where issues of sexual orientation remain at the center of political debate, here's an openly gay woman who has gone on to become the Oprah-esque daily confidante of millions of Americans and now will serve as their surrogate on the country's most popular television show. That's quite a feat. Here's a quick look at a few personal and career highlights—do you see the answer among them?

You Like Me, You Really Like Me: Ellen wins Showtime's "Funniest Person in America" honor in 1982.

A New Chapter: In 1994, DeGeneres debuts as bookstore owner Ellen Morgan on the ABC sitcom These Friends of Mine.

A Rose By Any Other Name?: These Friends of Mine is renamed Ellen. The new moniker doesn't make the show any funnier, but Ellen enters the pantheon of one-named celebs that includes Fabio and Oprah.

Strange Bedfellows: In a 1996 Larry Sanders Show episode poking fun at the speculation over DeGeneres' sexuality, Ellen, as herself, ends up in bed with the talk show host played by Garry Shandling. The unlikely coupling leads people of all persuasions to give up sex for several nights.

Who Would Have Thunk It?: Ellen comes out on Oprah, then appears on the cover of Time in April 1997 with the headline, "Yep, I'm Gay."

Which Way Is The Lincoln Bedroom?: Less than two weeks later, Ellen and then-girlfriend Anne Heche strike a blow for gay rights. During the White House Correspondents' Dinner, they prove that two women's over-the-top public display of affection can be just as obnoxious as two straight people's. As People reported, "They strutted and vamped, hugged and whispered… Not since the British arrived with torches in 1814 have out-of-towners brought such heat to a White House-related function." Tell that to Monica Lewinsky.

The Puppy Episode: On an episode of Ellen called "The Puppy Episode," Ellen becomes the first openly gay lead character on a television series as she comes out to a therapist played by Oprah. The episode wins her a Peabody Award and a writing Emmy.

Yep, I'm Crazed: Ellen and Anne announce their breakup in 2000. The next day, an allegedly disoriented Anne appears at a farmhouse outside Fresno, California; according to People, a police report describes her as telling deputies that she was "God, and was going to take everyone back to heaven … in a spaceship." There are unconfirmed reports that Oprah responded, "I could have sworn I was God."

A Fish Called Dory: Ellen memorably does the voiceover work for Dory in the 2003 Disney/Pixar hit Finding Nemo.

Talking Shop: In September 2003, she launches the daytime gabfest The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It has won numerous Emmys and on Monday broadcast its 1,100th show.

The Puppy Episode Part Deux: In 2007, Ellen finds herself at the center of an unlikely controversy. She adopts a dog named Iggy from an animal rescue operation called Mutts and Moms. Ellen's cats do not like Iggy and they fight like, well, cats and dogs—so she gives Iggy to her hairdresser's family. A weepy Ellen goes on the air and explains that her actions apparently violated a Mutts and Moms policy, and that Iggy has been confiscated and given to another family. In a proportionate response, members of the public issue death threats against the staff of the animal agency.

Oscar, Ellen; Ellen, Oscar: Despite a film career that includes Coneheads and Mr. Wrong, Ellen hosts the 79th Academy Awards in 2007 and earns an Emmy Award nomination for her work.

Walking The Aisle: After a California State Supreme Court decision briefly makes same-sex marriage legal, Ellen and partner Portia de Rossi get married.

Hello, Dollars: A New Orleans native, Ellen has helped raise $10 million for Hurricane Katrina relief. Her show, according to its website, has raised $50 million for causes including global warming, animal rights, and breast cancer.

A Bit Pitchy?: In September 2009, an excited Ellen goes on her show to announce that she will be the new judge on American Idol. It's a huge career move made even better by the fact that she successfully skipped all of the audition shows.

One Big Happy Family: Ellen says that Simon is mean and reports of tensions in the IdolSphere surface.

Here's a preview from tonight's debut:

So what is it about Ellen that got her where she is today?