Posted by Adam

Wednesday December 2, 2009

SIMON Cowell says Ellen DeGeneres is “quite nervous” about joining American Idol this January.

The chat show host replaces Paula Abdul on the hit FOX TV talent series.

“She’s going to be very different than Paula,” he says. “I think she’s probably quite nervous… She’s smart, but make no mistakes: this will be a very different kind of show than what you’re used to.

“Obviously, everyone wants to sit next to me. I am thinking about pulling names out of a hat!”

Speaking to US TV show Extra, Cowell, 50, also shared his thoughts on Oprah Winfrey stepping down from her talk show after 25 years.

“I’m not surprised, to be honest with you,” he says, adding that “she will go out on an almighty high.”

Tags: american idol, ellen degeneres, simon cowell