Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen Degeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.
Paula Abdul gave her opinion of the choice while on the KISS FM Phoenix radio show Johnjay and Rich.
"It's just going to be a different show," she said of Ellen joining the judging table.
The radio hosts asked Abdul if she ever had second thoughts about leaving the show, of which she replied, "I think that happened during the time I was making that very difficult decision." To read the complete Entertainment Tonight report on her comments click here.
Paula Abdul officially announced, via her "Twitter" page, that she will not be returning to FOX's AMERICAN IDOL. Abdul spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the news of DeGeneres joining the 'IDOL' judging stable.
In an earlier statement to ET, Paula 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."
The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges' panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.
"I'm thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL," said DeGeneres. "I've watched since the beginning, and I've always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote."
"I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the AMERICAN IDOL family," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can't wait for this next season to begin."
"We're all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America's foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team."
Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX added, "We are thrilled to have Ellen Degeneres join the AMERICAN IDOL judges' table this season. She is truly one of America's funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it's like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day. We feel that her vast entertainment experience combined with her quick wit and passion for music will add a fresh new energy to the show."
A beloved television icon and entertainment pioneer, DeGeneres' distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. DeGeneres has made a home for herself in the daytime arena with her hit syndicated talk show, "The Ellen Degeneres Show." The show, now entering its seventh season, won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host four years in a row and has earned a total of 29 Daytime Emmy Awards.
Abdul is already set to appear on another television show. The pop star make several guest-starring appearances for Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva," the new hit comedic drama series from executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.
