Ellen DeGeneres is about to tickle the funny bone of millions of music lovers — the comedienne will replace “Forever Your Girl” star Paula Abdul as a judge when the 9th season of American Idol kicks off in January 2010.

Ellen says she’s thrilled to take over the seat left vacant after Abdul quit the series in the middle of a salary dispute with producers last month.

The Emmy Award-winning TV talk show host announced the news during a taping of The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Wednesday.

“I have a big announcement to make. No one knows this. I just finally got the OK … just moments ago to announce this to you today…I am going to be the new judge on ‘American Idol,’” Ellen — who will continuing hosting her daytime series — told her audience on a show which will air on Thursday. “I’m not leaving here. Don’t worry about that. I’m going to have a day job and a night job,” she cautioned.

In a statement late Wednesday, Idol creator Simon Fuller confirmed that Ellen will join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi at the judges table after this season’s auditions. “I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the ‘American Idol’ family. Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”

Wow — Ellen on Idol!? Never saw that coming. What are our thoughts on this, PopCrunchers? Does El have what it takes to hold her own with Mr. Nasty Simon Cowell?