Ellen DeGeneres Becomes an "Idol"

Paula Abdul from "American Idol" is being replaced by Ellen Degeneres as a judge. Her fellow judges for the upcoming ninth season are Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Karo DioGuardi.

DeGeneres made the announcement on a taping of her show. The crowd provided her with a standing ovation, "I'm not leaving here. Don't worry about that," she said to them. "I'm gonna have a day job and a night job."

"The Ellen DeGeneres" show is going into its seventh season. She will continue her daytime talk show and has signed a five year contract with Warner Bros.

Fox president of alternative Mike Darnell said, "We feel that Ellen DeGeneres' vast entertainment experience, combined with her quick wit and passion for music, will add a fresh new energy to the show." DeGeneres hopes to bring "the people's point of view" and has claimed to never have missed an episode.

Since the exit of Paula Abdul over a salary dispute, "American Idol" has had guest judges such as Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas and Victoria Beckham, to name a few as replacements.

Sources: CNN, The L.A. Times