Ellen DeGeneres to Replace Paula Abdul

No more gossip about Paula Abdul returning to "American Idol." The fourth seat has finally been filled. Emmy winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres signed a five year deal to replace Abdul. She also extended her contract to host "The Ellen DeGeneresEllen DeGeneres Show," until 2014, it was reported by sources close to her show.

"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," she stated on Wednesday.

Abdul left the show in July after it was reported she wanted $10 million per year to do the show. The dispute between Abdul and the show came when Simon Cowell negotiated a three year deal, said to be worth $45 million a year. Ryan Seacrest got a new contract for $15 million a year to host and produce other shows.

A few of the interim guest judges to replace Abdul have been Katy Perry, Shania Twain, and frown face Victoria Beckham, as the preliminary audition tapings have been going on around the country.

DeGeneres is overcome with excitement upon becoming the fourth judge. She told her TV show audience during a taping yesterday, "We've been dealing with this for the last couple of weeks and I've been dying to tell everyone. I don't know how it happened myself, but I have not missed one episode of that show. I've watched every single thing. I love everything about it and I love music, as you know."

Ellen DeGeneres will be a wonderful addition to the show because she can replace Abdul as the judge who sympathizes with the contestants. She's also one of America's funniest people and understands what it's like to stand up in front of an audience.

DeGeneres hosted the 2007 version of "Idol Gives Back," a fund-raiser for children's charities.

Ellen will continue her daytime gig, along with promoting "American Idol" on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Way to go Ellen!