Ellen DeGeneres replaces Paula Abdul on American Idol
Daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is replacing Paula Abdul on the upcoming season of “American Idol.”
Fox television made the announcement Wednesday (Sept. 9). Although I was hoping Paula would eventually return to the show, I am willing to give Ellen a chance for now.
The full Associated Press story is posted below.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ellen DeGeneres is dancing her way into the fourth judge’s seat on “American Idol.”
Fox announced Wednesday the talk show host and comedian, who admittedly has no formal music experience, just a passion for tunes, will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the ninth season. The announcement all but seals the departure of Paula Abdul, the original third judge who announced she was quitting amid a contract dispute in July.
“The times we’re living in,” she quipped, “we’re all doing that.”
Abdul had been replaced by a succession of guest judges across the country as “Idol” started next season’s auditions, which will air in January. Among them: Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry and Shania Twain — but not the 51-year-old DeGeneres, who will join the ninth season following the show’s tryout rounds.
