When [article id="1621108"]Ellen DeGeneres[/article] was announced as the new "American Idol" judge on Wednesday, [article id="1621135"]fans were up in the air[/article] and [article id="1621184"]Randy Jackson was pumped[/article] -- but what did [artist id="1397"]Paula Abdul[/artist] think about the news?

The original "Idol" judge, who made an [article id="1617611"]abrupt exit from the show[/article] last month, had nothing but kind words for her replacement.

" 'American Idol' is a fantastic show that offers an invaluable platform to young talent," Abdul said in a statement Thursday (September 10). "Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right. I wish her and the show only the best of luck."

Abdul also took to her Twitter to congratulate DeGeneres on her new gig. "I think Ellen will b a gr8 judge on Idol," she tweeted. "She is wildly funny, talented and I wish her the best of luck!"

Since leaving the show, Abdul has announced a hosting gig for [article id="1619416"]"VH1 Divas"[/article] on September 17 and a guest-starring role on Lifetime's [article id="1617832"]"Drop Dead Diva."[/article] She also has said she's [article id="1620441"]considering a talk show[/article].

[article id="1621195"]DeGeneres called in to Ryan Seacrest's radio show[/article] Thursday to address some of the controversy surrounding her addition to the show. The talk-show host and comedian was especially concerned about what her predecessor thought of the move.

"Paula was a huge part of the show, and that's a role that needs to be filled by someone in a totally different way," DeGeneres told Seacrest. "I hope Paula's OK with it. I don't want anyone to think I took Paula's job away."

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' [article id="1486475"]"American Idol" page[/article], where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.