Kara Brings “Idol” Welcome Wagon to Ellen

Says newest judge will be a great addition to show

Ellen DeGeneres has at least one fan on the "American Idol" panel of judges she plans to join this year, fellow talent evaluator Kara DioGuardi.

"I think it's a genius decision," DioGuardi told People magazine. "I wish I had thought of it."

DioGuardi said she's watched DeGeneres' talk show and believes the newest judge will be fair, but sympathetic. She also predicted DeGeneres will bring harmony to the show, a departure from the tension her predecessor, Paula Abdul, sometimes had with Simon Cowell.

"Ellen will get along with everyone 100%," she said. "I was on her show once and she's lovely, generous, very kind. I think it's going to be great."

Get more: People

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