Comedian and talkshow host replaces Paula Abdul on panel for ninth season of hit US talent show
- Thursday 10 September 2009 09.51 BST
Ellen DeGeneres: joining American Idol as fourth judge
Photograph: Damian Dovarganes/AP
The comedian and talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres will take over from Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on the new series of American Idol.
Abdul, who had been a judge for the first eight seasons of the Fox show, confirmed she was stepping down last month.
DeGeneres will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi after the auditions on the ninth season of the hit talent show.
"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."
Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of American Idol, said DeGeneres's "love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel".
DeGeneres's appointment sparked much debate among viewers of the US show, with some viewers wondering if she had the necessary gravitas to join the judging panel.
"Is she going to be a real judge or some kind of joke?" asked one American Idol blogger. "She's a comedian, not a singer or a musician. I'm kinda flummoxed here." However, others said she would give the show new life.
DeGeneres's sitcom Ellen ran from 1994 to 1998 and her syndicated daytime talkshow broadcast its 1,000th episode earlier this year.
• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000.
• If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".