Ellen DeGeneres Departs 'American Idol'
After just one season, Ellen DeGeneres is bowing out as a judge on 'American Idol,' FOX announced in a statement Thursday. After the news hit, DeGeneres tweeted, "Dim the lights ... I've voted myself off American Idol."
"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 the FOX statement. "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.
"It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. 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. 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."
In the same statement from FOX, 'Idol' creator Simon Fuller shared his thoughts. "I loved Ellen's passion for the artists and her nurturing skills. She brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly."
DeGeneres is the second judge to depart after the ninth season -- Simon Cowell made headlines earlier this year when he
announced his plans to leave to focus on bringing a new show to American audiences, 'The X Factor.'
In a statement to
The Hollywood Reporter on the occasion of Ellen's resignation, Cowell said, "As I got to know Ellen, I grew to really, really like her. I have huge respect for her because she's always been in control of her own destiny."
Ryan Seacrest also chimed in on his
Twitter: "I will miss her on 'Idol.' She's one of the kindest and most talented people in Hollywood!"
Rumors are running rampant in Hollywood about who will succeed Cowell and DeGeneres in the judge's chairs. Names thrown around include Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake and Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
UPDATE: TMZ is reporting that Kara DioGuardi has been
fired and the show is close to locking up Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler in a return to the three judge format.
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Caught in Action: Celebrities Hard at Work
Jon Hamm, star of the hit series "Mad Men", is spotted filming scenes for the upcoming season. Jon was all smiles while filming in a red, vintage Imperial convertible.
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YEAH! It;s about time, she should not have been a judge to begin with. I will watch Idol next season.
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Me TOO. i can't stand Ellen,never could and she was never the right fit for the show anyway.but no, i don't have any intention to watch the show..i never did like it,not even with that witch Paula or that hateful jerk Simon. Randy is the only one with any sense at all.maybe now the show will go under.
Did you guys actually watch last season? Ellen is really funny. She brought some life to the show. She made it so much better. I can't believe she is leaving already. :'(
Awwwwwwwww, my heart is breakin'for you
I'm not an Ellen fan, but I do respect the way she's handled her departure. She told the producers a couple of months ago, but this is the first I've heard of her leaving. She didn't trash anyone or make nasty accusations about anyone. She gave an honest reason for leaving, and didn't 'threaten' to leave 100 times before actually going. She even said she loved the show and gave her continued support. People could learn a lot from this lady on how to bow out gracefully.
I second that. Maybe some dignity will be brought back to the show.
good riddance
Who are you to judge?
Ellen is bigger and better than that show.
She is also to talented for the other judges.
Some criminals make the best judges.
Dido.
Ellen was not there to judge, just to look for some new munching......
"Not the right fit?" No kidding!
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I boycotted American Idol this year because she was a judge. I am glad she is leaving. Good riddance.
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Why did you boycott because of Ellen? She actually was very delightful and you have to respect the way she left the show. Boycotting because of one person.... what's all the hate about?
That is very sad, actually. I think Ellen DeGeneres is amazingly funny and talented. She's gone through alot of BS, and I am glad that she is finally being recgonized for that talent. She has one of the HIGEST rated shows on television, which has one many awards and accolades. So, she must be doing something right.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, ELLEN!
I am happy to see this abomination leave the show, she is a white racist lesbian, who only cares about herself. I hope she loses her talk show as well. She should stop dancing because she looks mentally challenged. I hate this women, never found her funny. She should purchase an island, so she go to live with her horrible lesbian lover. I dispise this women and hopes she goes away for ever.
She had NO business on the show, therefore I refused to watch. The show is dead..............NEXT!
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Ellen never should have been a judge. If they paid Paula what they paid Ellen, then American Idol wouldn't be in decline like it is now. Get Howard Stern and get Paula back.
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if they paid paula and kept her all THREE judges Would be there AND it would be Americas #1 show but with simon gone paula gone you may as well trash it OH throw kara in the dumpster also NO GOOD
Money had NOTHING to do with how bad the season was. It was the lack of talent. Try paying the judges what that idiot Seacrest makes. That's wht Paula had to go. There wasn't enough money to pay her to stay.