Paula Abdul is handing off the "American Idol" baton to Ellen DeGeneres.
The former "Idol" judge and choreographer said Thursday night she's happy DeGeneres was chosen as her replacement -- and that the talk show host will bring a much-needed dose of funny to the Fox hit.
"'Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right," Abdul said in a statement released to TMZ.com.
"I wish her and the show only the best of luck," Abdul said in the statement.
Abdul also took to her trusty Twitter to speak about DeGeneres' appointment to take her place as judge, saying she thinks Ellen will do a fantastic job in the hot seat.
"I think Ellen will be a gr8 (great) judge on Idol," Abdul wrote on her page.
The "Straight Up" singer left the smash-hit reality show after a reported feud with producers over contract negotiations. She sat on the show's panel for eight seasons with fellow judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell and was joined by songwriter Kara DioGuardi last season.
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DioGuardi joined Abdul's praise of comedian DeGeneres, saying she's glad the talk show host is on board with her, Cowell and Jackson and that she's eager to make friends.
"I'm so excited to hang out with her," DioGuardi said. "I'm a huge Ellen DeGeneres fan."
Abdul also said she still respects the show even though she'll no longer be a part of the decision-making process.
"'American Idol' is a fantastic show that offers an invaluable platform to young talent," Abdul said.
DeGeneres said Thursday she hoped Paula was "OK" with the decision.
