Ellen DeGeneres to replace Paula Abdul on American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres has signed on to replace Paula Abdul on American Idol.

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

“DeGeneres will sit next to Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition,” Fox television says in a statement.

DeGeneres, 51, will begin judging after the audition rounds, which have featured a rotating group of celebrity guest judges including Shania Twain, Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas and Kristin Chenoweth.

What about her daytime talk show? DeGeneres says she’s not giving that up.

“I’m going to have a day job and a night job,” she says. “The times we’re living in … we’re all doing that.”

Of picking Ellen, executive producer Simon Fuller says: “I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the American Idol family. 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.”