娱乐英语新闻:Fox says DeGeneres is new "American Idol" judge

BEIJING, Sept. 10 -- Ellen DeGeneres is dancing her way onto "American Idol," replacing Paula Abdul as the show's fourth judge.

Comedian Ellen Degeneres poses with her award for Favorite Talk Show Host at the 35th annual People's Choice awards in Los Angeles Jan. 7, 2009

In a Wednesday release from Fox and the show's producers, DeGeneres described herself as a longtime fan of the hit singing contest.

    Abdul, who announced she was quitting the show amid a contract dispute, had been replaced by a succession of guest judges as "American Idol" started next season's auditions.

American Idol judge Paula Abdul poses at the party for the 12 finalists of the television show "American Idol" in Los Angeles March 5, 2009

DeGeneres, host of a daytime talk show, wasn't among them. She will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the ninth season starting in January.