Ellen DeGeneres? The new, PERMANENT 4th judge on "American Idol"? Whaaaa?

Holy crap. This came out of left field, didn't it? I think it's pretty cool, though. Who doesn't love Ellen anyway? 

via MSN:


"In a statement released by the show just a few minutes ago, DeGeneres said, “I’m thrilled to be the new judge on ‘American Idol.’ 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.”


Ellen didn't participate (and isn't participating) in the audition process that is ongoing. She'll start when the new season of American Idol premieres in January 2010. 

I was not a huge Paula fan. There. I said it. I am just relieved I won't be screaming at the TV anymore when some drunk chick is slurring unintelligibly and dancing like a groupie when she ought to be showing some decorum. 


I'm waiting for the hate mail from mah gurls. You know who you are: Patrick, et al.

Oh, and maybe Ellen's wife Portia will show up from time to time? Mmmmmm. Portiaaaaa. (In Homer Simpson's voice...)