Ellen Steps Down From Idol

By Michelle Garcia

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.

Share EMAIL PRINT POST COMMENT(6)

‹‹Previous Article in Category | Next Article in Category››

Reader Comments

Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
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.
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
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!
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
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.
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
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.
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
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.
Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
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.

PREVIOUS 1 NEXT

Preview: Logo’s ‘The A-List: New York’
2010 FOX Emmy After Party: ‘Glee’ Cast Discusses Their Emmy Success
2010 Emmys Backstage: Jane Lynch ‘Thrilled’ Over Her Emmy Win

More Online Only

Internet The Most Popular Gays on Twitter
With nearly 6 million followers, Lady Gaga is the most popular person on Twitter. Now see how the top 15 gay and lesbian celebrities on Twitter stack up.

Commentary The Imaginary Debate
Actor and blogger Chad Lindsey asks, if the secular and devout can comfortably share space at a drive-in theater in Michigan, why can’t the political right share lower Manhattan?

Commentary Cross Country Speed Dating
Would you like to go on a date with this guy? Kevin Patrick Richberg tells you how you can make it happen, and why he's hitting up 30 states in 30 days to find Mr. Right.

Internet Ruffling Some (Peacock) Feathers
Fresh from attracting 3 million viewers to his "California Gays" video, Ryan James Yezak ups the budget and takes on another Katy Perry tune — the very gay "Peacock."

Television Hear What Happens Live
Fresh off his Emmy win for Top Chef, Bravo executive Andy Cohen talks about Monday night's Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion and being shoved by a table-flipper.

Fitness The New 60
Psychotherapist and Advocate columnist Robert Levithan looks back on his life experiences and finds the journey to personal truth can be complicated and rewarding.

Washington D C View From Washington
The White House may continue to wear blinders on same-sex marriage, but the world is transforming around them as conservatives take up the mantle of equality.

DVDs The Hot Sheet
Katy Perry secures her gay fan base, J. Lo finds her Back-Up Plan, the latest adaptation of Dorian Gray stays gay, and Heart returns for the first time in six years.

Health and Treatments Living the Questions
Living the questions takes takes on a literal meaning as Advocate columnist Tyler Helms describes the day he almost lost everything after being diagnosed with HIV.

Theater On the Road With Laramie
As Greg Pierotti heads into rehearsal with Laramie 10 Years Later, he finds the people of Laramie are eager for their city to be known as something more wholesome than the scene of a hate crime.

News Features Mason Wyler Comes Clean
Porn star Mason Wyler has never been shy about his sex drive — which is why he says he expected mixed response to his announcement that he's HIV-positive.

News Features Swim Team
Swimming three miles between Long Island and Fire Island this weekend, 50 people raised big bucks for gay charities. Check out photos from the the Stonewall Foundation's second annual swim here.

Style Canine Couture
Sparkly accessories, witty T-shirts, and cute capes — New York's Pet Fashion Week let the dogs run the show. Check out the photos.

Washington D C View From Washington
On LGBT and mainstream issues alike, the Obama administration finds progressives irritating. But they let their frustration insulate them from criticism at their own peril on marriage equality.

DVDs The Hot Sheet
Jerry O'Connell strips down to fend off piranhas, Anthony Hopkins plays gay for Ivory, Jennifer Aniston takes on Bill O'Reilly, and Mad Men undress.

Television Come Away With Me
Flip on the cruise control and discover the nooks and crannies of America with travel show host David Keeps.

Media Advocate On-Air: GLAAD Edition
What do Sigourney Weaver, Adam Lambert, and Mississippi high schooler Constance McMillen have in common? To find out, watch The Advocate On-Air's Special GLAAD Edition.

Books One Night with Valentino
Book excerpt: In Secret Historian, Justin Spring’s biography of “professor, tattoo artist and sexual renegade” Samuel Steward, a torrid tryst with screen legend Rudolph Valentino is revealed.

Marriage Equality White House Meeting Heats Up
A White House meeting with state equality organizations has inflamed the blogosphere after LGBT Liaison Brian Bond said he was frustrated with bloggers criticisizing an administration that is "99 percent" supportive on equality issues.

Theater Seat Filler
Your man on the New York theater scene RSVPs to Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party, spends A Night at the Tombs with a trans celeb, and checks out the old/new faces in A Little Night Music.

Media Mama's Got Something to Tell You
Progressive radio darling Stephanie Miller knows she shocked some fans by coming out, but the sharp-tongued liberal wants everyone to know she's still a single, childless loser.

Video