So, I am doing my daily check of the day’s headlines on my day off. I checked several national Web sites earlier in the day, so I decided to check in on my entertainment gossip. I expected to hear more about “Jon and Kate plus 8″ drama. While there is a new story posted, this headline caught my eye.

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will join the judges’ panel on “American Idol” for the show’s ninth season beginning in 2010, a Fox spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.

WHAT? Is this for real? Shock is going through my body (that may be a little dramatic). However, if you would have asked me yesterday if Ellen would be the fourth judge, I would have just laughed and said “that would be interesting”.

After checking several sources, it sounds like Ellen will be joining American Idol this season! If you are familiar with Ellen, she has been a huge Idol fan for years. I always tuned in a day or two after my favorite contestant was voted off, because they would be invited on her show.  Here’s what she said earlier today:

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

 

To be honest, I have been very nervous about this upcoming season. Paula Abdul was such a big part of the show. Like it or not, people don’t like change. It doesn’t really matter who takes over, there will be controversy.

So, I’ve been sitting here trying to imagine Ellen as a judge. First of all, I hope she sits next to Simon. She is the exact opposite of him. She’s kind, hilarious, energetic, understand, talk-ative, and loud. The only thing they have in common: sarcasm.

Fox seems very confident she’s the right choice:

“We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the “American Idol” judges’ table this season. She 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,” said Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox. “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.”

If you can’t tell, I’m very optimistic. I was a little worried there for a while that “Posh Spice” would take over. No thanks.

Is it January yet?

What do you think about Ellen taking over as fourth judge?

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