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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