ANYWAY…this is huge, folks. Ellen's coolness could actually draw the attention of the remaining few million people around the globe who weren't watching "American Idol" …because maybe they hated Paula Abdul or thought it was a lame show. But now that Ellen is judging the show can take off in a whole new direction of cool and funny. Can you see it now? Ellen and Simon? Too funny.

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Don't believe Ellen's actually going to be the new judge? Read the official press release. I warn you, it's pretty thick and quite possibly THE longest release I've ever partially read:

ELLEN DEGENERES JOINS "AMERICAN IDOL" AS NEW JUDGE

Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges' panel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

"I"m thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL," said DeGeneres. "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."

"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."

“We're all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America's foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team."

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX added, "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. 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."

A beloved television icon and entertainment pioneer, DeGeneres' distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. DeGeneres has made a home for herself in the daytime arena with her hit syndicated talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The show, now entering its seventh season, won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host four years in a row and has earned a total of 29 Daytime Emmy Awards.

DeGeneres was recently included in Forbes' Top 5 "Most Influential Women in Media" and was voted "Best Daytime Talk-Show Host" by Parade.com readers. In addition, DeGeneres has been voted "Favorite TV Personality" by The Harris Poll's annual favorite television star list beating out Oprah Winfrey and Jay Leno. DeGeneres was included in MSNBC's "Power players who shape your TV habits." DeGeneres also was honored with Television Week's Syndication Personality of the Year and voted No. 1 in Oxygen's "50 Funniest Women Alive" special in the company of such comedic legends as Carol Burnett and Lily Tomlin and has been included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.

DeGeneres had the honor of hosting the highly rated 79th Annual Academy Awards and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety or Music Program. This follows her 2005 stint hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards, which marked her third time hosting the show. Her performance hosting the 2001 award show garnered her rave reviews for providing a perfect balance of wit with heartfelt emotion to the post-September 11 telecast audience. DeGeneres won an American Comedy Award for her inaugural effort hosting the show in 1994. Additionally, DeGeneres co-hosted AMERICAN IDOL's very successful IDOL GIVES BACK special that raised money for children in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

In 2008, DeGeneres became the newest face for CoverGirl. The national print and commercial campaign for Simply Ageless Foundation premiered in December and the product quickly became No. 1 in the marketplace, outperforming expectations. DeGeneres partnered up with American Express in 2005 where she appeared in their ad campaign "My Life, My Card," including a national commercial and a print campaign. DeGeneres later appeared in the national commercial "My Life Goal: to work with animals" which won a Primetime Emmy Award.

Prior to the launch of her talk show, DeGeneres scored simultaneous achievements on stage, film and in the literary world. She enjoyed unprecedented popular and critical response to her character, Dory, the fish with extreme short term memory, in the blockbuster animated feature film, "Finding Nemo." At the same time, DeGeneres crossed the country on a 35-city stand-up comedy tour, entitled the "Here and Now" tour. Her stop at the famed Beacon Theater in New York was turned into an HBO special and was subsequently nominated for two Emmys. Finally, in October, Simon & Schuster published DeGeneres' second book, "The Funny Thing Is….," comprised of the author's comedic short stories and essays. The book hit the New York Times’ Bestseller list upon its release. In 2005, DeGeneres was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the audio version of the book. Her first book, "My Point…And I Do Have One," published in 1995, debuted at No. 1 on the The New York Times bestseller list.

DeGeneres' career began as an emcee at a local comedy club in her hometown of New Orleans, which led to national recognition in 1982 when her videotaped club performances won Showtime's "Funniest Person In America" honor. When DeGeneres moved to Los Angeles she filmed her first HBO Special, "Young Comedians Reunion," then in 1986 "Women of the Night." That same year, DeGeneres scored a first by becoming the first female comedian to be summoned by Johnny Carson to sit down with him after her performance. In 1989, DeGeneres received a Cable Ace nomination for her "Command Performance: One Night Stand" special. She was also named "Best Female Stand-Up" at the 1991 American Comedy Awards.

DeGeneres began her acting career in television on the FOX sitcom "Open House." She moved on to ABC's "Laurie Hill," prior to being offered a part on “These Friends of Mine” by ABC. After the first season, the show was renamed "Ellen."  Running from 1994 to 1998, the show garnered record ratings, with DeGeneres receiving Emmy nominations each season in the Best Actress category. In 1997, DeGeneres was the recipient of the coveted Peabody Award as well as earning an Emmy for writing the critically acclaimed "Puppy Episode" when her character came out as a gay woman to a record 46 million viewers.

Both on and off screen, DeGeneres' humanitarian efforts take center stage. DeGeneres is passionate about bringing awareness to the people of New Orleans, her hometown, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and her efforts have resulted in "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" raising over $10 million to improve the lives of New Orleans residents. Overall, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" has raised over $50 million and brought attention to various causes, including global warming and animals. Additionally, DeGeneres continues to raise awareness about breast cancer, and served as spokesperson for General Mills' breast cancer awareness initiative, Pink for the Cure, and hosted special episodes of her show to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Since she was first nationally recognized in 1982 as a comedian in New Orleans, Ellen's many contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her numerous accolades including a Golden Apple Award as Female Discovery of the Year from the Hollywood Women's Press Club; a Lucy Award honoring women in Television and Film, as well as an Amnesty International Award.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc. and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

Among the performances this year will be Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Adele, and Miley Cyrus.

After losing the game of hardball Paula was playing with American Idol producers. Paula was courting ABC execs for possible stints on Dancing with the Stars and Ugly Betty. However, Paula lost interest in those shows because she was pissed when ABC producers leaked the news that she was in talks with them.

Paula was reportedly hoping Idol execs would cave to her $10 million per year pay raise she wanted, however now it looks like Victoria Beckham may take her spot. Other stars in the running to take over from Paula include Mary J. Blige and Katy Perry. Jessica Simpson was also a rumored contender. Will American Idol win an Emmy? Get all your Emmy betting in the Bodog Sportsbook today.

The New York Post is claiming that Papa Joe Simpson has been pushing for his daughter to replace Abdul on American Idol. However, Joe took to his Twitter to deny the story.

Joe said, "So, I am in thailand…But, of course, the post says I am in town trying to get ;ess to be the replacement for paula abdul…Do the lies ever stop????"

So far, Victoria Beckham seems to be the front runner for the American Idol seat. Will she prevail? Will Idol score an Emmy? Make your Emmy party more fun by betting on the Emmys in the Bodog Sportsbook.

Beckham, whose credentials to judge people's singing skills are that she was a member of the Spice Girls, was apparently given "facial expression" lessons before making her debut on American Idol. Beckahm has been "temporarily" judging as a trial but it seems Idol producers are liking what they see. However, they are not convinced as there have been rumors that the American public won't take to her because of her severely skinny frame and upper class British accent. To be safe, they are testing the retired pop star with focus groups, who are going to judge her performance.

A source said: "Victoria knows she has a very thick British accent and is sometimes misunderstood in America. She wanted to come across the best she could on 'American Idol', so she took some private lessons on how to properly pronounce words and how to make appropriate facial expressions. Victoria is famous for her pout but she herself admitted she wanted to shed that pout for the show to come across more human."

Other stars in the running to take over from Paula include Mary J. Blige and Katy Perry. What do you think? Do you want Paula back? Will you take to Victoria? Will American Idol win an Emmy? Get all your Emmy betting in the Bodog Sportsbook today.

Last week it was reported that Paula was courting ABC execs for possible stints on Dancing with the Stars and Ugly Betty. However, TMZ is saying that now Paula has no interest in either of those shows because she's pissed at ABC producers for leaking the news that she was in talks with them.

The problem for Paula is that it sounds like Idol producers aren't budging, however, and it doesn't look like they're willing to give her the $10 million per year she wants. It looks like Paula may be the one willing to negotiate down – now that the harsh reality is setting in of what might be in store for her career – like a bit part on Ugly Betty or sitting next to Bruno Tonioli as he screams thinly veiled sexual innuendos, which he passes off as critiques.

Will American Idol score an Emmy this year? Be sure to get all your Emmy odds in the Bodog Sportsbook today.

TMZ is reporting that Abdul was spotted yesterday hanging with ABC big wig Steve McPherson. There is also talk that Abdul will guest star on an episode of Ugly Betty (that's still on?) but that if Idol wants to cough up the $10 mil, she'll go back.

Although we think it's uncool that Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest get paid buttloads more money than Paula, at least they did their jobs sober. Will American Idol snatch an Emmy? Get all your Emmy odds at Bodog.

Cook took the first few verses, then surprised the audience by announcing, "Ladies and gentlemen, I need you to make a ton of noise for Adam Lambert and Kris Allen!"

The three Idols had all performed separately on Good Morning America's live "Summer Concert Series" with Cook performing his hit single "Come Back To Me," Lambert performed his rendition of Muse's "Starlight," and Allen performed his cover of Kanye West's "Heartless."

Do you think American Idol will win an Emmy for Best Reality Show? Get all your Emmy odds in the Bodog Sportsbook's entertainment betting today.

Apparently, Beckham will temporarily serve as a judge on the show, arriving in Denver today just in time for the start of the show's auditions. Katy Perry will also be a guest judge in Abdul's place.

Judge Kara DioGuardi will remain a judge on the show – although we are not sure why they feel they need four judges. DioGuardi arrived to the Denver auditions in a limo wearing a black dress, telling local news station that she was wearing black to mourn Abdul's absence. DioGuardi added that she hopes Abdul returns to the show.

Do you think Beckham will be a good American Idol judge? Will American Idol win an Emmy for Best Reality Show? Get all your Emmy odds in the Bodog Sportsbook today.

Former Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe revealed to Access Hollywood he will be asking Paula to appear on the show, which makes more sense considering Abdul knows a whole lot more about dancing than singing.

Lythgoe said, "She knows possibly, as a performer and a dancer, she knows more than any of us."

Regarding her departure from Idol, Lythgoe said, "She'll be remembered for not making sense on a number of occasions. She'll be remembered as part of a dysfunctional family that we've all come to love."

With Idol's viewership peaking in the fifth season and having suffered a steady decline since, the show is said to be focusing more on the contestants next season than the judges. In a poll from AOL website PopEater.com, 74 percent of those surveyed said that Idol will be worse without Abdul. In her Tweet about her departure from the show, Abdul credited herself as helping to make American Idol become an "international phenomenon." Do you think Abdul was intricate to the success of the show? Do you think ratings will decline next season? More importantly, does Idol stand a chance in the Emmy race? American Idol (7/2) is competing against Dancing with the Stars (4/5), Top Chef (3/2), Project Runway (4/1) and The Amazing Race (3/2). The Bodog Sportsbook has the latest Emmy odds for the 61st annual award show. Get them while the gettings good!

"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 part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon."

The New York Times is reporting that Abdul wanted a substantial raise over last year's salary of $2 million per season and when execs didn't meet that demand she high-stepped it out of their office. According to the paper, someone "close to the negotiations said that the producers had offered Ms. Abdul a 30 percent salary increase and a total multi-year deal worth more than $10 million."

So that leaves Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell (both already on contract through next season), and Kara Dioguardi (who signed a new contract for an undisclosed amount) as the show's judges. Host Ryan Seacrest signed a three-year $45 million contract last month.

What do you think about Paula Abdul's leaving the show?
We here at the Beat don't like it one bit. Not ONE bit. :(

While the petite brunette was a bit of a ditz, her colorful comments to the young singers and on-air battles with Cowell added an interesting element to the program — one that we highly doubt Dioguardi can replicate.

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