DeGeneres says she won’t be mean as ‘Idol’ judge

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The 51-year-old comedian will replace Abdul when the singing competition resumes for a ninth year in January. Abdul recently left the show after eight years over contract disagreements.

“I hope Paula [Abdul] is OK with it,” DeGeneres told “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest on his radio show Thursday. “I don’t want anybody to think I took Paula’s job away. … I certainly don’t want to be that person that is the evil taking Paula’s job away.”

DeGeneres, who will continue to host her syndicated daily talk show, said she loves music and is a huge fan of “Idol.” She aims to bring compassion and empathy to the show, qualities Abdul was known for.