The word is that comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is taking Abdul's place on one of my favorite shows. She announced on her talk show this week that this would give her a day and night job.

I'm happy about the choice. She doesn't have a music background but is an avid fan of music and can dance for hours. She doesn't have Paula's choreographic background either but I believe she will be highly amusing.

It will be interesting to see how Simon and Randy treat her. She won't be a space cadet like Paula sometimes was but I think she will be lovable like Abdul. Ellen has a great heart and a wonderful sense of humor. I think it's a great choice for Idol.

American Idol has already started next season's auditions and Ellen hasn't been part of that. Abdul had been replaced by a succession of guest judges including: Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain -- but not DeGeneres.

"Hopefully, I'm the people's point of view because I'm just like you," DeGeneres said on her show. "I sit at home and I watch it, and I don't have that technical ... I'm not looking at it in a critical way from the producer's mind. I'm looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person."

I wasn't sure if I would give the same devotion to Idol with Paula gone but I have to admit I'm once again looking forward to the show. Especially because I think Ellen will keep us laughing.

Despite the money she makes as a television personality I do believe people will relate well to her because after all, as she says, "I'm just like you."