Ellen Steps Down From Idol

ELLEN DEGENERES AMERICAN IDOL X390 (GETTY) | ADVOCATE.COM

Ellen DeGeneres is stepping away from the judges’ table.

The talk-show host and comedian said she had told Fox and American Idol producers she didn’t feel like the position was a good fit.

“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," she said in a statement, according to People. "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for.”

DeGeneres adds, “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.”

Both executive producer Simon Fuller and Fox Entertainment chairman Peter Rice have expressed their support for DeGeneres's decision.

The announcement comes as judge Simon Cowell has also announced that he will not return for the show's 10th season. Possible replacements being floated for him include Diddy, Bret Michaels, Harry Connick Jr., Chris Isaak, and Jamie Foxx, according to CBS News.

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Reader Comments

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Name: Paul
Date posted: 7/30/2010 5:50:51 PM
Hometown: Floral Park

Comment:
The show is too old and tired. By now they have interviewed just about everyone who has even the slightest amount of talent. Give it a rest for at least five years. Then, come back with some of the real talent that will have matured by then.
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Name: Dameon
Date posted: 7/30/2010 10:40:21 AM
Hometown: Phoenix

Comment:
Even though I love her and adore her show, Ellen was not a particularly good judge for AI. Then again, neither is Randy, and he's still around right? It really doesn't matter though; without Simon I can't imagine the show would be any good no matter who else they bring onto the panel. It's already been moving downhill these last few years, and Simon leaving is going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back. The show will probably hang around for a few more years based on its past glories, but within five years I imagine it'll get canceled. It was fun while it lasted AI!
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Name: J.B.
Date posted: 7/30/2010 1:27:44 AM
Hometown: Montegut, LA

Comment:
Not really my thing, but after nearly a decade, Idol is still the number one rated show on television. In the video I've seen, Ellen looked uncomfortable and there wasn't really any room for her to be a comedian. I read today that Jennifer Lopez is being considered as a judge for the new season. I have to admit that compared to Howard Stern or Brett Michaels as potential judges, J-lo sounds like a much better fit for the Paula slot. But still who replaces Cowell? Ellen has nothing to worry about. She's still a hugely talented and popular star.
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Name: Shawn
Date posted: 7/29/2010 11:12:25 PM
Hometown: Albany, NY

Comment:
Woah, Raphael, lay off the roids. The Ellen show is definitely one of the best hours on television. She's en pointe every day and hilarious. Not to mention that she's in the living room of America (and beyond) and shows them that gays are part of society. I agree that Idol wasn't the best fit for her. If you're not a fan, fine. Just save the hate for those who deserve it.
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Name: Raphael
Date posted: 7/29/2010 9:22:42 PM
Hometown: World

Comment:
Maybe its because Nigel Lythgoe the creator of American Idol is coming back and said he would change the whole panel, but in Ellen's case there was a contract, but he wants to see an entirely new panel. She cites her work schedule, bullshit her show is taped in one day for a whole week, half the time it is reruns because Ellen is unavailable and she panders to the artists no matter what their stripe. I am glad that she is leaving AI, now if she would only vacate that waste of an hour called the Ellen Show.
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Name: OttoMad77
Date posted: 7/29/2010 8:34:34 PM
Hometown: Portland

Comment:
her reason for leaving "it was hard for me...(to) sometimes hurt their feelings" is the reason I could never stomach this show. I'm no angel, but jesus--they way they treated some of these people was so ugly--and then to think we were entertained by that-eew. I was really disappointed when she became associated so I am happy it's over and to read her reasons why.

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