Carrie Underwood sums it up perfectly. "Everybody loves Ellen," the season 4 winner tells PEOPLE. "I think she'll make a great addition to American Idol"
And Underwood isn't alone. Fellow season 4 alum Constantine Maroulis says of new judge Degeneres: "I think she's amazing. She's really funny, so likable and I think she'll really be a mentor to the contestants."
Still, Maroulis admits that he, like many Idol fans, was surprised by the news that the talk show host would be Paula Abdul's replacement. "I almost didn't believe it when I first read it," he says. "We'll miss Paula."
Season 7's winner, rocker David Cook, agrees. "I don't know that anyone can replace Paula, nor should they try," he says, "but I am excited to see how Ellen affects the dynamic of the show."
"I've had the chance to be on Ellen's show a couple of times," Cook adds, "and she has always been a huge fan of Idol. She also brings her own brand of humor and that could pay huge dividends for the show." --Rennie Dyball with reporting by Kristen MasciaA. M. Parks/iPhoto
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