ELLEN DEGENERES LEAVING AMERICAN IDOL

HOLLYWOOD, CA – American Idol will be in need of two more judges when the next season kicks off!
American Idol was well aware that it was going to have to find a replacement judge for Simon Cowell – their “tell it like it is” personality. Now it seems as though the show will have to find a replacement for Ellen DeGeneres as well. The daytime talk show host announced today that she would no be returning for a new season.
Degeneres came onto American Idol this past season and brought a new flair never before seen on the show. The host of “The Ellen Degeneres Show” provided her usual wit and comedy, while butting heads with Cowell on occasion. Now she’s decided to vote herself off, and American Idol is down two judges.
“A couple months ago, I let FOX and the ‘American Idol’ producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” Degeneres said in a statement issued to Access Hollywood on Thursday. ‘I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next.”
The comedienne revealed that the decision was not one that was easy to make.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for,” her statement continued. “I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings.”
Degeneres ended on a high note, expressing her thanks for the experience.
“I loved the experience working on ‘Idol’ and I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be,” her statement concluded.