Emmy-winning daytime TV host Ellen DeGeneres made an astounding announcement on Wednesday – she’s joining American Idol! That’s right, Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on the ninth season of American Idol, set to debut in January, 2010.
In a Fox press statement released on Wednesday, Ellen DeGeneres said she is “thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol. 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.â€
The sixth season of Ellen’s own talk show just launched this week, so the funny lady won’t be able to join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi during the audition process. Instead, she’ll step in after the audition rounds to lend her quirky humor to the contestant evaluations on the show.
“We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the … judges’ table this season, Fox reality TV Mike Darnell guru said in a press statement. 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.â€
What we really want to know though is whether or not Ellen will dance along to her favorite performances? You know it’s just gotta happen at least once…