Ellen DeGeneres Taking Paula Abdul's Empty 'Idol' Seat

Ellen DeGeneres will replace Paula Abdul as a permanent 'American Idol' judge, Usmagazine.com reports. "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," DeGeneres says.

But Ellen isn't abandoning her talk show. "I'm going to have a day job and a night job. The times we're living in ... we're all doing that."

'Idol' executive producer Simon Fuller is pleased with the decision to hire DeGeneres. "I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the 'American Idol' family. 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," Fuller says.

Abdul announced in August via Twitter that she would not be returning to her judging role on 'Idol.' Many reports cite a salary dispute as the reason she left the show, with some estimates saying she asked for $10 million per season but did not get an offer that high. She's since been tapped to host VH1's 'Divas' concert on 9/17, and her name has been floated for other reality judging roles.

http://www.popeater.com/2009/09/09/ellen-degeneres-american-idol/

Do you think it will help the show or hinder it?

Paula is cute, that may attract certain viewers and Ellen is funny, not sure how it goes. Perhaps the show will be just about as successful...

I don't really know I'm not an expert on AI demographics!

If Ellen can and I know she probably will, hold her own against Simon then you go girl!

It should be good for ratings also!

Looks like she's in trouble now for not having permission to play the music she uses during her dance entrances.

Welcome to the music world! LOL!

Can't say I know a lot about these two ladies.

Oh except that she is married to little ole Mandy Rogers.