Paula Abdul Congratulates the New 'American Idol' Judge

The former and the new judge of "American Idol" have spoken beyond the press release about the new engagement. Paula Abdul congratulated Ellen DeGeneres who is now positioned in her old seat as the judge of the singing talent show. Ellen similarly also talked about taking Paula's job on Ryan Seacrest's radio show.

" 'American Idol' is a fantastic show that offers an invaluable platform to young talent," Abdul said in a statement Thursday, September 10. "Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right. I wish her and the show only the best of luck."

Speaking about how she replacing Paula may be an awkward situation, Ellen told Ryan "I hope Paula is okay with it. I don't want anybody to think I took Paula's job away. I feel like she was gone and then everybody was looking for somebody else, then I stepped in. I certainly don't want to be that person that is the evil taking Paula's job away."

Ellen will begin her job as the judge after the show finishes its audition rounds which feature several celebrity guest judges. How she would picture herself as a judge, Ellen said "The people are the ones that choose the American Idol. Ultimately it doesn't come down to some expert in the music industry, it comes down to everybody at home that says 'that's the person I relate to, that's the person that I'm going to buy music from'."

The ninth season of "American Idol" is due to air on FOX in January next year.