This one feels like it’s coming out of left field, but Ellen DeGeneres as the Paula Abdul replacement on American Idol? Actually makes a lot of sense.

With Simon as the tough guy, Randy as the, um, laid-back guy, and Kara as the sometimes harsh one who seems to have a few more detractors than fans, the fourth judge spot really needed to be filled by someone who is pretty universally well-liked. And when you try to think of celebrities that almost everyone loves, well, it comes down to Ellen and Neil Patrick Harris. Can you think of anyone else who belongs on that list? And does Ellen as the new judge make you think “Paula who”?

The official press release from Fox on DeGeneres’ hiring:

ELLEN DEGENERES JOINS AMERICAN IDOL AS NEW JUDGE

Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges’ panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

“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.”
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• Tags: American Idol January 2010, American Idol season 9, Ellen DeGeneres American Idol judge