Ellen speaks to her critics about her qualifications as an American Idol Judge. ETonline.com reports…

After she made headlines for replacing Paula Abdul on the judges’ panel of next season’s “American Idol,” Ellen DeGeneres is taking on critics who have questioned how qualified she is to judge the hit singing competition.

On Tuesday’s episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” the comedienne and talk show host said:

“Apparently, there’s a lot of debate going on right now, whether I’m qualified or not to be the new judge on ‘American Idol’… I’ll tell you right now, how I know I’m going to be a great judge — because I’ve spent my whole life being judged. So, I know what it’s like. So, I will be kind. I will be compassionate. I will be empathetic, and I will be truthful. I will be an honest judge without being mean.”

Ellen went on to say:

“I’m very excited to be on the show. I will tell you that right now. I just continue to be excited every single day. I knew people would have opinions, and I did not want to know what they were because why should I take that stuff in? I try not to watch anything that I think is going to be talking about me….”

As for Paula’s impersonation of her on last week’s “VH1 Diva’s Live,” Ellen joked: “And, I have nothing but love for you too Paula — but I want my wig back. I really do. Give it back.”

The new season of “American Idol” kicks off next January on FOX.