‘Idol’ Names Fourth Judge - Ellen DeGeneres

So it looks like Paula Abdul won’t be returning to ‘American Idol.’

For real.

In a surprising, slick and smart move that will alter the judging landscape on America’s top-rated show, Ellen DeGeneres was named the fourth judge. According to a Fox press release, “She will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.”

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“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on ‘American Idol’,” said DeGeneres. ”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.”

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DeGeneres, who has featured numerous former ‘Idol’ winners and contestants, on her show, was bursting with excitement. She broke the news before Fox was able to send out a press release.

“Guess what? Go ahead… nope… keep guessing…” she wrote on her Twitter page. “Okay, I’ll just tell you–I’m gonna be the new judge on American Idol!”

The ninth season of ‘Idol,’ which premieres in January 2010, has already taped audition rounds using guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

Watch ‘Idol’ news and highlights.

‘Idol’ executives gave no indication they wanted a permanent fourth judge, but it was clear they had to do something bold to prevent the show’s steadily slipping ratings to drop even further from fan disappointment at Abdul’s departure.

Whereas Abdul had the uncanny ability to turn an ordinary sentence into a perilous adventure to the most sentimental and saccharine comments, DeGeneres is sharp and quick, original and funny. She’s also a well-known music fan who recently appeared as a guest judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” - and Fox is counting on her to inject “fresh, raw energy,” as one executive put it.

‘Idol’ creator and executive producer Simon Fuller was clearly pleased with the coup of snagging the popular talk show host.

Where are ‘Idol’’s stars now?

“I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the ‘American Idol’ family,” said Fuller. “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.”

Fox’s President of Alternative Entertainment Mike Darnell added, “‘[Ellen] is truly one of America’s funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it’s like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day. We feel that her vast entertainment experience – combined with her quick wit and passion for music – will add a fresh new energy to the show.”

Is that a dig to Abdul, who left the show after being unable to agree on a new contract? Or is it a final goodbye?

Hey, it might also be a hello to a new era of ‘Idol.’

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