London, Sep 10 - Americal talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres has been named the new judge of music-based talent hunt show 'American Idol'.

The former stand-up comedian is taking ex-judge Paula Abdul's spot on the panel of the TV talent show, joining the judge trio Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, reports starpulse.com.

'I'm going to have a day job and a night job. This is so exciting for me... I've been dying to tell everyone. It's just been so hard to keep it a secret and we just finally got the Ok, and I'm so excited. It is going to be so much fun,' she said.

DeGeneres, 51, insists she will be championing the views of the public because she doesn't have a musical background like the other judges.