( CNN ) -- Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will join the judges ' panel on `` American Idol '' for the show 's ninth season beginning in 2010 , a Fox spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday . Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience to her role . `` I 'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol , '' DeGeneres said Wednesday . `` 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 . '' The popular comedian and entertainer will fill a seat left vacant by Paula Abdul , who announced she was leaving the show in August after eight seasons . Was DeGeneres the right replacement ? DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell , Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi after auditions are completed for the popular talent show , which starts in January . Until then , guest judges including Mary J. Blige , Kristin Chenoweth , Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris will fill the empty slot , Fox said . Watch Jackson discuss what DeGeneres brings to the show » . `` We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the `` American Idol '' judges ' table this season . She is truly one of America 's funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it 's like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day , '' said Mike Darnell , president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox . `` We feel that her vast entertainment experience , combined with her quick wit and passion for music , will add a fresh new energy to the show . '' DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience as the host of `` The Ellen DeGeneres Show , '' now in its seventh season , and the host of the 79th Annual Academy Awards . In her new role , the Emmy Award-winning talk show host faces the task of winning over Abdul 's supporters , who lamented that her departure would irreparably alter the show . The singer-dancer turned `` Idol '' judge was known for her positive comments to the singers participating in the shows . She was also known for her on-camera run-ins with Cowell and other judges in the show . `` With sadness in my heart , I 've decided not to return to Idol . I 'll miss nurturing all the new talent , but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon , '' a statement on Abdul 's verified Twitter account said last month .
The popular talk show host will fill seat on judges ' panel left empty by Paula Abdul . She will will join the judges ' panel after the auditions , which begin in January . ` ` Think of all the money I could make from not having to text in my vote , '' Abdul says .