First Look At Ellen DeGeneres On 'American Idol' (VIDEO)

Ellen answers phones at Hope for Haiti telethon last month. INFDaily.com.

A sneak preview of Ellen DeGeneres on the Idol judges' panel.

We're going to Hollywood! Yep, this week kicks off the Hollywood leg of American Idol Season 9. If you're bracing for the changes that are about to come to the show (Howard Stern in Simon Cowell's place?!), here's a sneak-peek at a familiar face who will make you feel right at home. Welcome Ellen!

By the way, we weren't kidding -- as we reported last week, Howard Stern really is a consideration to fill Simon Cowell's seat when Simon exits the show at the end of this season. And amid all the buzz about conflict between Ellen and Simon, so far things look pretty harmonious. Check out our clip here.