FOX confirmed Wednesday that talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul on “American Idol.”
“I’ve been dealing with this for the last couple of weeks, and I’ve been dying to tell everyone,” said DeGeneres. “It’s been so hard to keep it a secret.”
Prior to Wednesday’s news, the future of the “American Idol” judging panel remained unclear. The series relied on guest judges–ranging from Katy Perry to Neil Patrick Harris–in the audition process, and there had even been rumors that an eleventh hour deal would be reached to keep Abdul in the fold.
Ultimately, however, the show will move on without the pop star and choreographer who has been on the show since its premiere.
Regarding the new judge, Simon Fuller said that Ellen will bring “a unique human touch to our judging panel.” She joins returning judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson for the show’s ninth season in January.