Ellen DeGeneres To Be The Fourth Idol Judge

American Idol just got a little bit funnier. It was announced today that comedian/talk-show-host Ellen DeGeneres is joining the judges table on popular singing competition. As a guest judge? Nay. This is a full time gig.

The Hollywood Reporter posted the news stating that Degeneres will be taking over Paula Abdul’s spot as a permanent judge on the show. “I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the American Idol family,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”

Weird. While Degeneres served as an amusing guest-judge on So You Think You Can Dance for one episode this summer, I doubt anyone thought she’d be in the running for Abdul’s old job. That said, I happen to think she’s hilarious, and while some might argue that her CV lacks credible music experience for this job position, I’d probably say the same about Paula Abdul and at least Degeneres is funny (and not in a “what is this woman on?” sort of way).