Ellen DeGeneres joins 'American Idol' as fourth judge

9/9/2009
Sari N. Kent
Fox's "American Idol" is adding some surefire laughter to its judges' panel as talk show host and renowned stand-up comedienne Ellen DeGeneres joins as the show's fourth judge in its upcoming ninth season.

Ellen DeGeneres joins 'American Idol' as fourth judge

Daytime Emmy Award winning talk show host and famed funnywoman Ellen DeGeneres will be joining the ninth season of Fox's "American Idol" as its fourth judge,

According to an article on HollywoodReporter.com, "The news also means former judge Paula Abdul has officially been replaced following weeks of speculation about whether she would return to the show."

DeGeneres will join the other 'Idol' judges including Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi."American Idol" creator/exec producer Simon Fuller said he believed DeGeneres' "love of music and understanding of the American public" would bring "a unique human touch to our judging panel." Fellow exec producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said "Idol" would benefit from DeGeneres' "immense warmth and compassion."

An article on Variety.com added that, "Fox announced the move late Wednesday, after DeGeneres revealed the deal on her syndicated talker." DeGeneres will join panel of judges' following the auditions. "I'm thrilled to be the new judge on 'American Idol,'" DeGeneres said in a statement. "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."

Guest judges for 'Idol's' upcoming ninth season are said to include R & B songstress Mary J. Blige, ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, pop singer Avril Lavigne, cast member of the ABC dramedy "Pushing Daisies" and Tony Award winning actress Kristen Chenoweth, Emmy-nominated cast member of the CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother" actor Neil Patrick Harris and country singer Shania Twain among others.

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