First Look: Ellen’s First Photo As ‘American Idol’ Judge

FOX has released the first cast shots from “American Idol’s” ninth season – its first with with new judge Ellen DeGeneres.

In the new photos, British judge Simon Cowell showed he’s still sporting his flattop crop, while Ellen is pictured leaning on the “American Idol” mic.

The entire cast of judges – Simon, Ellen, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, who is returning for her second season – were also Photoshopped into one picture, alongside show host, Ryan Seacrest.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, “Idol” will return on January 12 in a two-night, four-hour season premiere. Premiere week will feature auditions from Boston and Atlanta.

Ellen won’t be featured on the judge’s panel until February. Instead, guest judges including Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain will be featured in the chair vacated by Paula Abdul, who opted not to return to the show.