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 program would be temporary, as well as the comedian-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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