Paula Abdul ‘stunned’ by Ellen replacement

Although said to be privately ‘gutted’ that a petulant grab for more money has now got her replaced, Paula Abdul is trying to fake a brave face.

“Privately, Paula is very upset. She’d never admit it, but this stung,” a source has told Radar.

Insiders say that, while she had not publicly said she might return to the show, Paula was privately hoping the Fox people would cave and give her the seven-figure raise she’d expected. “Paula likes Ellen,” we are told. “She doesn’t want to say a negative word about her, and she won’t. But this news upset her.” a close friend confirmed.

Yesterday, the redundant judge released a short statement, “American Idol offers an invaluable platform to young talent. Ellen DeGeneres is wildly funny and talented in her own right, and I wish her and the show only the best,” it reads.

Ellen, who says her new job was in discussions for weeks and she’s been ‘dying with excitement to tell’ is now making up for lost time; Yesterday, she appeared on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show and expressed admiration for Paula, “I hope she’s okay with it. I don’t want anybody to think I took Paula’s job away,” she said. “I feel like, she was gone and everybody was looking for somebody else, and then I stepped in.”

Perhaps better known for her dancing, not singing, Ellen will take her first bow beside Simon, Randy, and Kara when the show returns for its ninth blockbusting season in mid-January next year.