"American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi speaks to ET about the addition of Ellen DeGeneres to the "Idol" judging panel. Read on to see what she has to say.

We caught up with DioGuardi at Vera Wang's store at the Fashion's Night Out event in New York on Thursday night. She was excited that her rookie days are over, saying, "Whew! I'm actually happy not to be the new judge anymore."

She told ET of her initial reaction to hearing the news that Ellen would be joining the team. "I was on the plane when I found out and I literally wanted to scream," said the now-veteran judge.

ET was first to break the news to actress Debra Messing. She initially reacted by saying, "You're kidding! I'm jealous...I should be a judge on 'American Idol.'" Once the news sunk in, she continued, "I love Ellen. I think she is hilarious and I saw her on 'So You Think You Can Dance,' and she was great, so I think it'll be a great addition."

Other celebs also chimed in with their opinions on the announcement. Designer Vera Wang told ET, "I think Ellen brings a sense of humor, a sense of irony, and I think she has tremendous credibility..." Designer Michael Kors added, "I love Ellen. I think she is bright, smart, fast, and I can't wait to see what she's going to do with it."

Ellen will be filling the seat Paula Abdul occupied since the birth of the hit show. DioGuardi said of missing her friend and former colleague Abdul, "She was the heart of the panel way before I was even there."

DioGuardi admitted she has yet to speak to Ellen, but has intentions of sending her an email. The two women will join judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell when the new season of "American Idol" premieres on FOX in January 2010.

Fashion's Night Out aims to restore comsumer confidence and make the top designers and celebrities accessible to fans and shoppers.