Carrie Underwood photo by Matthew Rolston, courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Paula Abdul’s departure from “American Idol” changes the texture of the judges on the FOX-TV show, and the emergence of Ellen DeGeneres as her replacement was one of the top entertainment subjects of the last month. Former “Idol” winner Carrie Underwood has a view of the show that only a few people possess, and she believes Ellen was a smart addition.

“I think Paula will be missed just because she was such a fixture for the past million seasons of ‘American Idol,’” Carrie told the national radio show GAC Nights: Live From Nashville.

“I guess things just evolve and change like everything else, and Ellen … I’ve met her several times being on her show. She’s one of my favorite shows to be on — such a wonderful person, a fun host. Talking to her, she’s really nice. And I think that if they have to replace Paula with somebody, they need to replace her with somebody that’s positive and upbeat. The contestants really need somebody positive there.”

Carrie has her own upcoming TV gig to prepare for. She’ll be co-hosting The 43rd Annual CMA Awards with Brad Paisley on Nov. 11. Carrie’s third album, Play On, comes out Nov. 3.

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