When Ellen DeGeneres was announced as the new "American Idol" judge on Wednesday, fans were up in the air and Randy Jackson was pumped — but what did Paula Abdul think about the news?

The original "Idol" judge, who made an abrupt exit from the show 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 "VH1 Divas" on September 17 and a guest-starring role on Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva." She also has said she's considering a talk show.

DeGeneres called in to Ryan Seacrest's radio show 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."

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