Paula Abdul has given her American Idol replacement the thumbs up, insisting Ellen DeGeneres will be "wildly funny" as a talent show judge.
Fans were shocked when DeGeneres was named the hit show's new star - because many had hoped Abdul's departure from the programme would be temporary, as well as the comedienne-turned-talk show host having no musical background.
But the Straight Up singer has called on fans to be supportive of the new recruit, who has signed a five-year deal with producers. A statement from the former Idol star reads, "Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right. I wish her and the show only the best of luck."
In a radio interview in Los Angeles on Thursday morning, DeGeneres revealed she wanted Abdul's blessing: "I hope Paula's OK with it. I don't want anybody to think I took Paula's job away."
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