Ellen DeGeneres Replaces Paula Abdul as the Fourth American Idol Judge

By Stefanie Lee 09/09/09 5:29 PM

The talk show host joins Simon, Randy, and Kara in 2010 for the ninth season of Idol.

Ellen DeGeneres will be the fourth judge on the ninth season of American Idol, premiering in January 2010, FOX reported in a press release. She’ll be a permanent fixture on the panel with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi after the auditions, which will feature guest judges like Victoria Beckham and Neil Patrick Harris.

DeGeneres, who has danced with President Barack Obama (back when he was campaigning) and sang with Josh Groban, will more than fill the gap left behind by Paula Abdul‘s exit. Though DeGeneres is not a professional musician, her endless knowledge of the industry and experience as a performer will be huge assets to the panel. Plus, with a personality as big as hers, she’ll probably give Simon a run for his money —  and maybe even a taste of his own medicine.