Ellen DeGeneres Adored

'American Idol' judge Ellen DeGeneres is "adored" by Simon Cowell.

Talk show host Ellen replaced Paula Abdul on the judging panel of the US talent programme -making her debut when the show returns next January- and she has already won over her new colleagues, include notoriously hard to please Simon.

A source said: "She is a breath of fresh air that is so easy to work with. Everyone in front of the cameras and behind adore her, particularly 'Mr Mean,' Simon Cowell, who Ellen has already challenged to a dance-off!"

While Ellen is enjoying every minute of her new role, it seems her predecessor is having regrets about quitting the panel.

A friend said: "Paula was full of optimism when she left 'Idol.' She was confident she would get her own talk show and even be performing live on the Las Vegas strip - none of which has materialised.

"It's going to get worse in January when 'Idol' is everywhere with Ellen sitting in her seat."

Paula quit earlier this year over claims she didn't get a high enough pay rise.