Lesbian talk show host and all-around funny lady Ellen Degeneres will be filling Paula Abdul's hot seat as the newest judge on American Idol, Fox announced Wednesday.
"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."
The Emmy winning Degeneres, who is famously married to Better off Ted star Portia de Rossi joins Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the megahit show's ninths season beginning in January 2010, according to the Examiner.
Abdul's contract was not renewed for this season, although she's been with the show since its inception. It remains to be seen if Degeneres will maintain Abdul's reputation as the "nice" judge.
Degeneres will join the judges' panel after the initial auditions, which include appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain, according to the Examiner.
