In a sho cking announcement, FOX TV announced TV talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres is now the new permanent judge on American Idol. She will be replacing Paula Abdul, who left due a breakdown in contract negotiations over pay.
Why Ellen? FOX stated in their announcement “As the new judge, Ellen will offer her own unique perspective to the contestants through out the competition.” Ellen says she is long time fan and that this job is a dream come true.
Ellen joins the other judges, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi, and host Ryan Seacrest later in the season after the auditions begin.
