Behind the comedy is a woman who's had to muster her courage to get where she is today. Ellen DeGeneres tells Oprah about her balanced life, her loving wife, and how she intends to take her new job as an American Idol judge very seriously.

A few things Ellen DeGeneres knows for sure (she thinks).

Ellen Degeneres and author don Miguel Ruiz on the philosophies of his book, The Four Agreements.

Ellen DeGeneres on her O magazine cover shoot, American Idol and her wedding. Plus, her wife, Portia de Rossi.

Get the latest American Idol news from host Ryan Seacrest.