Ellen DeGeneres has joined American Idol as the new fourth judge sitting alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi. As the new judge, Ellen will offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

The ninth season of American Idol premieres January 2010 on FOX. Ellen DeGeneres will join the judges' pannel after the auditions, which will feature appearances by guest judges Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas,
Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, and Shania Twain.