9 Celebs Who Are Besties With Ellen Degeneres (+ 11 Who Keep Their Distance)
Ellen DeGeneres may as well be called Ellen DeGenerous. We're not just talking about the millions that The Ellen Show donates to charitable causes. We're talking about a woman who manages to perk up even the bleakest, post-breakup afternoon (watching Ellen is better with ice-cream, right?)
The Ellen Show has been airing since 2003. If you're a celebrity, that couch is where you go to pour out your heart, sneak peek your single, talk merch, and yes, you will get caught out. Ellen might seem super chill and relaxed, but it's exactly the vibe she wants to get those celebs talking.
The famous faces we've seen on this show? They're literally endless. In 2003, Katie Holmes, Justin Timberlake, and Nicole Richie were guests. In 2010, Robert Pattinson, Justin Bieber, Ellen Pompeo, and Sofia Vergara joined the bandwagon. Everyone from Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus to Kanye West and Kim Kardashian has had their #EllenMoment.
Not everyone is Ellen's bestie, though. The battle for competition in Hollywood has shown us that some celebs prefer to stay well away from Ellen (and her producers). If it were up to us, we'd live with the woman. Think about it. You could totally kick back, eat cereal, goof around, and feel 100% comfortable.
Nine of these celebs are just that - 100% comfortable around Ellen. The other 11 steer well clear.
20 Jennifer Aniston: Total BFFs, Ellen "Vows To Celebrate" Jen's 50th Birthday
Jennifer Aniston isn't just BFFs with anyone. America's original sweetheart knows full well what it's like to have the entire world poke their nose in - we feel kind of bad being part of that with Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux.
"What if we have your birthday here, for the whole hour, we celebrate you? I mean it," Ellen said.
In 2018, Ellen "vowed" to celebrate Jen's upcoming 50th in what The Huffington Post reports to be "a special way." Jen had already appeared on The Ellen Show saying she didn't want a giant bash. Ellen might just well have her way. #TotalBesties
19 Kim Kardashian: BFFs Are An Investment, Ellen Is A Good One
Kim Kardashian recently freaked out because Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was preventing her from taking selfies. In a KUWTK episode that saw Kim need some help taking them, she turned to Kris Jenner- selfies are "legit how I make my money," Kim said.
Kim is one smart woman. She surrounds herself by relevant people, Ellen included. Drama with Tristan Thomspon and Khloe? Kim was the face of the family. She went on Ellen and called the whole thing "[messed up]," Her reports.
Kim first appeared on Ellen in 2010. Then again in 2011. And once again in 2014. She is now a regular face on the couch.
18 Nicole Kidman: Ellen Says "We Won't Have Her Back Again"
Nicole Kidman doesn't seem to be very welcome on the Ellen couch anymore. In 2018, celeb chef, Giada De Laurentiis returned to the show after a double appearance with Nicole Kidman went a bit wrong. Nicole had called Giada's rice balls "a little tough."
Nicole Kidman is "banned from future cooking segments,"
Too Fab reports. "She's not here, right?" Giada asked Ellen during her 2018 appearance. Ellen made it very clear. "No, we won't have her back again!!" The throwback clip that Ellen showed also reminded everyone that Nicole wasn't really into Giada's jokes.
17 Priyanka Chopra: Doesn't See Eye To Eye With Ellen When It Comes To Compliments
Priyanka Chopra kind of doesn't need Ellen right now. That wedding to Nick Jonas made global headlines for being the most stunning, lavish bash we've ever seen, and these two are already #MarriageGoals.
In 2016, Bollywood Life reported that the internet was "still calling out Ellen DeGeneres for being rude to Priyanka Chopra." Ellen appeared to be complimenting Priyanka - "people are so excited because you are such a huge star and you are beautiful and you can act."
"That doesn't happen often," Priyanka cut in. Ellen hit back: "It does happen, as a matter of fact, it happens all the time." #Frosty
16 Justin Timberlake: Doesn't Like It When Ellen Gets His Lyrics Wrong
Justin Timberlake is way too cool to ever pull a feud, Kanye style. That said, get the man's lyrics wrong, and he won't be singing your praises. 2016 marked Justin's epic Ellen appearance - for once, Ellen was the one put on the spot. Justin reminded Ellen of her words, as Billboard reports.
"My favorite part was when you were like, 'It's just electric, just electric, just electric.' I was like, 'That's just not the words!'"
"Just imagine" vs. "just electric." We weren't confused. Clearly, Ellen was. And you wonder why this guy's albums are called Justified. Not enemies, but not besties.
15 Khloe Kardashian: Talks About Her Own Pregnancy, Ellen Guesses Kylie Is Pregnant, #Awkward
The Kardashians seem pretty pally with Ellen. In 2018, a pregnant Khloe appeared on The Ellen Show, where it was #BabyTalk. Khloe discussed cravings, body positivity, and not much else (because Ellen pulled a fast one).
Ellen: "Is Kylie craving things yet?" Khloe: "I don't know what you're talking about." Ellen stays one step ahead, as usual.
This came out of the blue. Ellen straight-up asked if Kylie Jenner was pregnant (which she was). "Come on, now," Ellen said regarding Kylie's general absence. "Come on, Ellen," Khloe replied. Watch it for yourself. It's pretty amazing. Khloe changed the subject very quickly.
14 Ariana Grande: Never Really Opened Up To Ellen, Tripped On Stage, #NervousAroundHer?
Ariana Grande is now so famous, just tripping up on stage can make global headlines. That's precisely what happened during her November 2018 performance of "Thank U, Next" on The Ellen Show. Ari was super professional (and just kept going).
How close these two are? You can see Ellen's "Grande sized hug" birthday message on Instagram. Ellen sends wishes every year. Actually getting Ari on the show? Harder game.
Ariana performed "Thank U, Next," but she hasn't appeared on the couch since 2017. There's no saying why, but that Pete Davidson breakup might not be something she's ready to be probed about.
13 North West: #Backstage BFFs, Apparently
Oh, do these two look like they're having a good time. In 2015, Kim Kardashian posted this pic of North West hanging backstage with Ellen, The Mirror reports. Kim was the one on the couch, but North seemed to be getting the VIP treatment, too.
"Northie & Ellen brushing My Little Pony's hair lol" was Kim's caption to this - because you're never too old for My Little Pony.
Ellen doesn't traditionally give celeb kids their own slot. North West? Given how quickly this Kardashian kid is climbing the celeb ranks, we may well see her babbling away quite soon.
12 Portia De Rossi: Kind Of A Given, #Marriage, "She's My Best Friend"
Talk about #Goals. Ellen DeGeneres has been with Portia de Rossi since 2000 - now married, their relationship has been going strong nearly 20 years. Business Insider has covered the relationship timeline, and we've got to say, it's impressive.
Portia has said it was love at first sight. "The only thing we ever argue about is who loves who more,"
Ellen told People in 2014. Portia and Ellen tied the knot in 2008, when California law finally permitted same-gender marriage. "I can't imagine not being married," Ellen told People. "I have my best friend, the person I want to spend time with more than anybody else in the world."
11 Kelly Ripa: Something Is Bubbling Under The Surface
Vibes might be relaxed on talk shows, but remember, this industry is competitive. Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan co-hosted Live! With Kelly and Michael from 2012 to 2016. Then came the abrupt announcement that Michael was leaving to join Good Morning America. Ellen invited Strahan on her show in 2017, to which Star reported Kelly being less-than-pleased.
"Cozying up with Michael was like telling the world she had taken his side and was taunting Kelly."
Both Star and Gossip Cop report that Kelly was "livid." Ellen is said to have since reached out to apologize.
10 Kanye West: It's Somewhere Else He Can Rant (But He Could Probably Take It Or Leave It)
There doesn't appear to be specific beef between Kanye West and Ellen DeGeneres. Then again, it's Kanye West. In December 2018, Kanye's Twitter feuds managed to rake in Drake, Ariana Grande, and Kim Kardashian in just 24 hours.
"Baffled" is how Ellen was reported to be by Hollywood Life following Kanye's epic 2016 rant on her couch.
Kanye never seems fully at-ease on talk shows. His 2016 Ellen appearance resulted in an 8-minute rant that covered everything from the human race to his feelings on helping people. "Everyone expected that he was going to do something wild, stupid, or weird," Hollywood Life reports.
9 Caitlyn Jenner: The Smiles Went Downhill When Caitlyn "Wouldn't Dance With Ellen"
Ellen and Caitlyn Jenner have something in common. Both take a minority position in a world that is becoming more open-minded (but continues to judge). In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner appeared on The Ellen Show.
We'd give our left arm to dance with Ellen, but The New Zealand Herald reports that Caitlyn wasn't so keen. Ellen reportedly "wondered" why Caitlyn wouldn't dance with her, apparently concluding that it might be because of her affiliation.
Ellen told Howard Stern that Caitlyn still had some reservations about same-gender marriage. "It gets weird" was the headline from Secular Talk regarding the whole thing.
8 Julia Roberts: Ellen Lists Reasons To Follow Julia
And we're back to BFFs. Julia Roberts might not be a 20-something like Dove Cameron or Sarah Hyland, but she's got her fans. The Notting Hill and Ocean's actress is #AtEase on Ellen's couch, and she even gets Instagram shout-outs.
"Five reasons to follow @JuliaRoberts. 1. Tropical paradise. 2. Shows a lot of skin. 3. Food. 4. Reunions. 5. Selfies" was Ellen's Instagram post.
Julia's 2018 Ellen appearance came with a #Kardashian fake cleavage, Meaww reports. Julia wore a fake bodysuit enhancing her curves, Kardashian style, and the whole thing was hilarious. This selfie is just adorable.
7 Jennifer Lawrence: Cat Talk Turns Into Awkward Gender Issues
Jennifer Lawrence was never predictable (and that's part of her charm). "Why can't I say anything normal" is a 2016 video quote of her you'll see floating around the Internet. 2012 was the year of the "weird cat thing." J-Law talked about a female cat that she was claiming to be acting masculine. "I've never met a cat where you assume first that it's a boy. Because normally dogs are boy and cats are girls," the footage shows.
Ellen looked straight-up uncomfortable. She then attempted to educate Jen on the fact that tri-color cats are female. Ultimately though, the subject got changed. #Miaow
6 Cozying Up With JLo
JLO is used to hosting her own gig. Those American Idol and World of Dance judging positions give Jennifer Lopez the control, but Jen is BFFs enough with Ellen to feel comfortable on that couch.
In fact, these two appeared to have turned it up a notch in the cutest 2018 #Bestie moment ever. "Tomorrow I get in bed with @JLo. You heard me," was the caption to this Instagram post of Ellen and JLO before Jen's 2018 appearance.
Jen first appeared on Ellen way back in 2003. She's talked music, relationships, babies, style, and pretty much everything else. Why? BFFs can talk to each other.
5 Wendy Williams: It Got Competitive, Massive Feud, Keeps Well Clear
Sometimes, the facts speak for themselves. Ellen has over 60 million followers on Instagram. Wendy Williams' following sits at 1 million. Look these two up online, and you'll see a fair amount of beef.
"Do I look like Justin Bieber?" Ellen asked Wendy during her 2018 appearance. "People said he looks like you," Wendy said.
"Wendy was never really getting the caliber of stars like Kelly [Ripa] and Michael [Strahan]," a source told the newspaper. In 2018, Wendy appeared on Ellen and it got super awkward. "At war with Ellen for A-List guests," Page Six reported in 2015.
4 Katy Perry: These Two Get On Like A House On Fire
Katy Perry and Ellen are so close, they're #PixieCut twins. With a joint mind on equality and a ton of other shared interests, Katy and Ellen's friendship has been going strong for years. There's that Emmy Awards pic of Ellen joking around - or rather, amusingly looking at a certain part of Katy's body (while Portia laughs).
Aside from the 2017 appearance where Ellen forgot that Katy has been married to Russell Brand, these two are like two peas in a pod. Ellen even plays "Will You Perry Me" on her own show with Katy.
3 Melissa McCarthy: The Pics From Ellen's 60th Say It All
We totally see it. Funny gets on with funny. Melissa McCarthy and Ellen DeGeneres have absolutely no problem with one another. In fact, Melissa was one of the celebs invited to Ellen's huge 60th birthday bash (how is Ellen already in her 60s? She doesn't look it).
This pic comes from the dance floor stage of the night at Ellen's 60th. No awkwardness. Just #Fun. Oh, and that was some bash.
The celeb guests invited to celebrate Ellen's 60th were listed by Harper's Bazaar in 2018. Chrissy & John Teigen, Kim and Kanye, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Munn, Oprah, and Melissa McCarthy were all guests.
2 Lady Gaga: The Biggest BBFs
Lady Gaga first appeared on The Ellen Show way back in 2009. By 2011, she was back on the couch. While 2018 appearances are more likely to stick in our minds, let's not forget that these two shared a kiss back in 2011, so reports The Daily Mail.
Kisses seem to be a recurring topic between these two. In 2018, Ellen grilled Gaga on her first kiss (and crush). The crush was Adrien Brody.
E Online covered Gaga's 2018 appearance. Her first smooch was revealed to Ellen as being a teen summer camp experience. "Wow, late," Ellen replied jokingly. Yeah, these two are #A-OK.
1 Kylie Jenner: A Talk Show Host Who Asks Nosy Questions? No Thanks
Kylie Jenner's entire career is built on sharing. She shares her Louis Vuitton, her baby, and just recently, a custom icy-blue Rolls Royce. Her 121 million Instagram followers get the full deets - except when Kylie chooses to be private. 2017 and 2018 were Kylie's "quiet period." Concealed pregnancies will do that.
Let's backtrack. Ellen guessed Kylie's pregnancy. She asked, "Is Kylie craving things yet?" during Khloe's interview. #StayWellAway
Kylie hasn't been on Ellen since her 2016 Tyga relationship. For a celeb of that level, two years is a pretty giant gap. We'll assume Kylie is #Dodging Ellen's potential questions. Travis Scott, meanwhile? He's been on to talk about Stormi.
