On September 9th, Ellen DeGeneres made the announcement on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” That she was excited to be the newest edition to the American Idol family as the fourth judge on the panel for season nine.
This coming as some what of a shock as Paula Abdul confirmed just a week prior to the announcement that due to conflicting contractual ideas between her management and Fox Entertainment, she would not be returning to the show.
In a statement released by Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox, he expressed great disappointment in the matter of losing Abdul, but was “thrilled” to have Ellen DeGeneres join the American Idol judges. He also feels that her vast entertainment experience, combined with quick wit and passion for music, will add a fresh new energy to the show.
Along with American Idol, Ellen has a lot on her plate this year. Her hit talk show is now entering it’s seventh season and she has been invited to come back as the host of the 79th Annual Academy Awards. So, until Ellen is able to catch up to the other judges, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and new comer Kara DioGuardi in Hollywood in early January, the fourth judge’s seat will be filled by special guest stars such as Mary .J. Blige, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris.
American Idol creator Simon Fuller stated “Ellen DeGeneres has been a fan of Idol for many years now, I feel that her love of the music industry and understanding of the American public will certainly bring a unique human touch to our already diverse judge’s panel”.
Ellen seems to share the same enthusiasm as the rest of Fox Entertainment. On her Twitter account shortly after the September announcement, she Tweets “I’m ecstatic to be the new judge on American Idol! I’ve watched the show since the beginning and I’ve always been a huge fan. So, getting the job really is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll be able to save now that I won’t have to text my vote!”
It’s sure to be an interesting and exciting season for Idol fans. Watch for Ellen DeGeneres as she greets the American Idol hopefuls to Hollywood in January.