I don't get it. Do we really want to hear jokes while contenders' performances are being assessed? (OK, intentional jokes.) Or are producers thinking Ellen will bring warm-and-cuddly support?

What I do get is how relatively fast the producers moved to bring in a big name who couldn't be elbowed aside if/when Paula wants to return. They don't want her back, that's clear.

But it's a mistake on both sides. Abdul needs the show's exposure. Ever hear her name in the dozen years preceding? And the show truly benefited from her giddy encouragement of the contenders, wacko as it could be. If it's Simon Cowell's job to read them the riot act of truth, playing mean-old-dad, it was Paula's to be the sappy mommy cooing she loved them no matter what, even if she might be just a tad disappointed in them right now. (Guess that makes Randy Jackson the too-cool older brother, dawg.) And admit it, you loved tuning in just to see how loopy Paula could be.

Something else to consider -- that crucial I've-been-in-your-shoes empathy. Ellen may be a performer with onstage experience, but she's not a singer, which is, after all, the show's raison d'etre. Maybe the producers want Ellen to represent The Public. But the show's judges are there to offer expertise, not (wo)man-in-the-street blather.

Which means I'm not really seeing the angle from which Ellen fits into the Idol equation.

Anyway, here's the spin Fox put on Wednesday night's announcement (verbatim from press release):

Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

The ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL premieres January 2010 on FOX. DeGeneres will join the judges' panel 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.

"I'm thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL," said DeGeneres. "I've watched since the beginning, and I've always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote."

"I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the AMERICAN IDOL family," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "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."

"We're all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America's foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team."

Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment for FOX added, "We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the AMERICAN IDOL 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."