Ellen DeGeneres: Meet your new "American Idol" judge!

No one saw this coming: Ellen DeGeneres is replacing Paula Abdul on "American Idol"!

The new fourth judge called the job a "dream come true," adding, "Think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote."

Ellen has been a guest judge on "So You Think You Can Dance," which might make more sense since she regularly cuts a rug on her on show. But she has no experience in the music business (aside from regularly hosting pop singers on her talk show). She also co-hosted the "Idol Gives Back" special.

FOX's Mike Darnell said in a statement, “We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the ... 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.”

Ellen is not participating in the audition process; she will join the judges' panel in January, when the show launches its ninth season. And fans of her talk show needn't worry -- she's keeping her day job.