Fox announced today that Ellen DeGeneres will be taking Paula Abdul’s place as the fourth judge on season 9 of American Idol. Guest judges including Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, and Katy Perry will cover the audition rounds. Ellen will step in as the fourth judge after the auditions have ended.

In the statement released by Fox, Idol creator Simon Fuller said,

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.

The new season starts in January.