Ellen DeGeneres - FOX
Well, that was fast.
Talkshow host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres is stepping down as a judge on American Idol, she announced in a statement today.
In a post on her official website, Ellen claims she told Idol producers and FOX about her decision to leave the show “a couple months ago” saying, “this didn’t feel like the right fit for me.”
“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 wrote. “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,” she continued. “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.”
Ellen will continue to find talent to nurture for her own record label, ElevenEleven, like her first artist, 12-year-old internet sensation Greyson Chance.
[...] only returning judge. Ellen DeGeneres, who filled the empty spot left by Paula Abdul last season, announced her exit from the show late yesterday (July 29). Kara DioGuardi has reportedly been fired from her position [...]