Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres (askmen.com)

Say hello to American Idol’s new fourth judge, Ellen DeGeneres!

The talk show host was named on Wednesday as the new fourth judge on American Idol, filling the seat that was left by Paula Abdul last month.

Fox television, network for the most popular show in the U.S., announced the news in a statement, “As the new judge, Ellen will offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.” 51-year-old DeGeneres will join the ninth season alongside three other judges; Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi.

DeGeneres told her talk show audience in an episode scheduled to air Thursday that she had been “dying to tell everyone” assuring her audience that she’s not leaving her talk show. She described herself as a longtime fan of the show. As she said about her new job, “I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol. 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.”

She also added, “Hopefully, I’m the people’s point of view because I’m just like you. I sit at home and I watch it, and I don’t have that technical … I’m not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person.”

This is not the first time DeGeneres involved in a reality TV judge’s seat. She served as a guest judge earlier this summer on So You Think You Can Dance, and in 2007, she was the co-host of “Idol Gives Back,” the singing contest’s charity event. Pretty experienced, right?

So, welcome Ellen, we’re happy to have you!

[ via Yahoo! News ]

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