Idol Chatter: Ellen DeGeneres to Replace Paula Abdul

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NOW, HERE'S A DEVELOPMENT I didn't see coming: Actress, talk show host and dance, dance revolutionary Ellen DeGeneres will become the new permanent judge on "American Idol," Fox said in a statement Wednesday. She'll replace Paula Abdul and join Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell in critiquing scads of wannabe singers.

According to the announcement, DeGeneres will sidle up to the judges' table after the auditions air in January, and after her chair is kept warm by guest judges including "Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain."

I think my bolder just broke.

Anyway, although I wouldn't have predicted this turn of events in a million years — I actually kinda thought Paula might return to the fold after an extended time-out — DeGeneres in retrospect seems like a perfect choice. She's Hollywood. She's passionate. She's a dyed-in-the-wool "Idol" fan who had the lion's share of show castoffs on her talk program after their ousting.

She's also a notorious nicenik, but one who has the gift of the witty comedic rejoinder. Which means she not only will disagree vocally with Simon's often caustic put-downs, but she has the arrows in her quiver to pierce through his smug facade like it's William Tell's apple.

That could be fun to watch, no?

I think she'll gel like nobody's business with Randy, and with Kara she'll probably share some gal talk and a love of capitalized letters inside words. But will she really critique the singers or will hers be the Mom-like vote of blind reassurance that was nearly always Paula's stock-in-trade? Guess we'll have to watch and see.

Below, you'll find Fox's release on the subject, minus their seemingly minute-by-minute account of DeGeneres' career. (Seriously, guys, a little restraint is in order.)

But below that is our comments section, in which I invite you to leave your thoughts on DeGeneres' selection. Will she fit in on the show? How do you think the other judges will react to her? And will her joining up make you more, less or just as likely to watch?

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.

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."

Photo courtesy Fox