Kids, Streisand, transsexuals, and a lesbian Although this wasn't the best "View" eppy that aired last year, it certainly is the most balanced. They also couldn't submit anything without all hosts present, and considering that Walters usually appears about three times a week, that must have made their selection process easier or harder depending on the way you look at it.

I doubt Ellen DeGeneres will win this category again; her show, while as slick as ever (and boasting the best opening credits), doesn't pack the same punch after viewing "The View." Actually, Ellen's show feels sophomoric. Moreover, while Ellen's a fun dancer, can you call it hosting?

Ellen submitted an episode highlighting everything she loves versus things she likes. Often, Ellen's hosting feels overly scripted. Will voters want to reward that over, let's say, the reactive and instinctual brilliance the hosts of "The View" have mastered?

Like the "View," Ellen does have a child on her show, a child protege, as well as Simon Cowell, James Blunt, and part-time "View" guest co-host Sherry Shepherd (how ironic!). While "The View's" kid hero didn't steal the hosts' thunder, the boy protege was actually funnier than Ellen was, and he actually scolds her at one point for not taking a joke to its brink.

Also, Ellen's hosting is so slow, it's as if she just smoked a joint or something before going on stage.

Oddly, I had high hopes for "I'm-not-fat-damn-it" Tyra Banks, but was disappointed to see she submitted a lackluster Janet Jackson interview featuring hard-hitting questions like: "Do you fart in public?" and "Who would win in a wrestling match - LaToya or Janet?"

Yep, she's lame, folks! To call Tyra, Oprah-lite is an understatement.

Next! Rachael Ray offered a Jessica Simpson-featured eppy that is without a doubt one of the worst hours of television I've ever watched. How was Ray nominated again? Thanks Kelly and Regis!

"The View's" only competition is Dr. Phil, who submitted a horrifically fascinating tale of a father accused of molesting his own daughter and who later fails a lie detector test. While the premise sounds like a creepy Jerry Springer eppy, Dr. Phil's hosting skills were excellent. When the father accuses the show of exploiting his family for money and ratings, Dr. Phil let's him have it with a profound and passionate diatribe on doing whatever it takes to protect children that reminded me of well-scripted, well-acted soap scene.

It's a standout; organic, and memorable. With slick editing, a hypnotic pace, and amazing production values, Dr. Phil is the real deal, even if he isn't very respected or liked in the industry.

Finally, the now-defunct "Soap Talk": I still can't decide if I was watching an "SNL" spoof on a bad local talk show, or a real chatfest about soap stars with Lisa Rinna and Ty Treadway (get back to acting, folks!).