Paula Abdul Lauds Pick of Ellen DeGeneres as 'American Idol' Judge

Sept. 10, 2009 — -- Paula Abdul has a message for Ellen DeGeneres, her replacement as a judge on "American Idol": Good luck.

Despite her seemingly tumultuous exit from "Idol," Abdul packed the compliments into a statement released today on DeGeneres' selection to fill her shoes.

"'American Idol' is a fantastic show that offers an invaluable platform to young talent," Abdul said. "Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right. I wish her and the show only the best of luck."

Fox announced late Wednesday that DeGeneres, the talk show host who dances with her fans, will be the new judge on "American Idol," replacing Abdul, who quit this summer.

DeGeneres will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the ninth season of the show, Fox confirmed. She will appear after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

"I'm thrilled to be the new judge on 'American Idol,'" DeGeneres said in a statement released by Fox. "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."

Abdul, who had served as a judge for the Fox reality competition since its 2002 inception, quit on Aug. 4. She announced her decision on her Twitter feed, saying, "I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon."

She did not elaborate on why she quit.

Fox and the show's producers, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, said they were "saddened" that Abdul would not be returning to the show, noting that she had been "an important part of the 'American Idol' family over the last eight seasons."

"I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the 'American Idol' family," Simon Fuller, the show's creator and executive producer, said. "Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can't wait for this next season to begin."

DeGeneres, 51, told the audience at the taping of her show scheduled to air Thursday that she's joining the "Idol" panel, but said she would not be giving up the talk show.

And she indicated that as a judge, she will be very much like the warm-hearted person her fans have come to know on the talk show.