http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/07/29/ellen-degeneres-is-leaving-american-idol/

Jul 29 2010 08:07 PM ET

Ellen DeGeneres leaves 'American Idol'

by Lynette Rice

Categories: American Idol, Deals, News, Television

Fox announced today that Ellen DeGeneres has decided to step down from her role as as judge on American Idol. DeGeneres joined the panel in its ninth season. The network released this statement today: “A couple months ago, I let Fox and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” said DeGeneres. “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.”

Fox released a statement of its own: “We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of IDOL,” said Peter Rice, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Networks Group. “We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show.”

Developing….

http://www.deadline.com/2010/07/breaking-ellen-out-of-idol/

EXCLUSIVE: We've just learned the backstory of how Ellen DeGeneres bowed out of American Idol and who will be its new judge taking her place: Jennifer Lopez, who's singing and acting career has been on the skids after her recent movies failed at the box office and she was dropped by her record company Sony. We hear her manager Benny Medina, whom she once fired, orchestrated the meeting with the American Idol producers a month ago, and negotiations have been ongoing ever since. We've learned a deal was closed earlier this week under the utmost secrecy. Still to be decided is who will replace Simon Cowell. Everyone associated with the show wants Elton John, but we hear he's asking for too much money and has too many touring commitments he can't get out of.

As for Ellen Degeneres, we're told she wanted off the show two months ago, and she and her reps went in to to see Fox Broadcasting's Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice and Alternative TV President Mike Darnell to ask if the execs would let her out of the year left on her contract. "She's not comfortable. She's not happy. It's not been fun," Fox was told. But Rice and Darnell responded that, with Cowell leaving, "We can't let you out now because it would be bad for our franchise. Give us a chance to figure out who we could get." In the end, all the show's producers -- Fox, Fremantle, and 19 Entertainment -- worked it out. "Peter Rice was awesome," an insider tells us. "Ellen is thrilled and relieved." We've learned that serious conversations took place between Idol and Jessica Simpson to replace Ellen. But once Jennifer Lopez was locked in this week, the DeGeneres announcement went out.

About damn time, she sucked ass as a judge. Nothing against her as a comedienne and talk-show host, but what the hell was she doing on this show anyway? What does she know about the music business?

In fact, I think the entire show is past its prime and needs to go off the air, though it's still the #1 show on television, but it's just living off its past success at this point. I expect things to get worse next season when Simon's gone and planning the US edition of X-Factor.

About damn time, she sucked ass as a judge. Nothing against her as a comedienne and talk-show host, but what the hell was she doing on this show anyway? What does she know about the music business?

In fact, I think the entire show is past its prime and needs to go off the air, though it's still the #1 show on television, but it's just living off its past success at this point. I expect things to get worse next season when Simon's gone and planning the US edition of X-Factor.

+1,000,000

About damn time, she sucked ass as a judge. Nothing against her as a comedienne and talk-show host, but what the hell was she doing on this show anyway? What does she know about the music business?

In fact, I think the entire show is past its prime and needs to go off the air, though it's still the #1 show on television, but it's just living off its past success at this point. I expect things to get worse next season when Simon's gone and planning the US edition of X-Factor.

You nailed it. I could not agree more with you.

Wow. Okay. I think it's for the best. I agree that she wasn't the right fit for the show, a great guest host once or twice a season at most. Ellen was (still is?) starting to be a little too *everywhere* for my tastes. I think a little of her goes a very long way.

Last season's contestants were probably the least inspiring group ever and without spacey Paula and now the show's true star Simon out of the picture, the ratings will continue to decline. Simon's who a lot of viewers have stuck with the show for and replacing him is impossible because anyone similarly snarky and rude will be immediately compared, and panned for trying too hard to mimic him.

Well ew had a report that was posted earlier before this press release was issued saying it wanted to have an entirely new panel. Jessica Simpson is one they have been eyeing.

Well ew had a report that was posted earlier before this press release was issued saying it wanted to have an entirely new panel. Jessica Simpson is one they have been eyeing.

Well ew had a report that was posted earlier before this press release was issued saying it wanted to have an entirely new panel. Jessica Simpson is one they have been eyeing.

Wow, this show really wants to die a painful and miserable death...

Just bring on the US edition of X-Factor already, most people who watch Idol watch for Simon's reaction anyway. As SFK pointed out, he's really the star power behind that show, not so much the contestants...

Edited July 30, 201015 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

Yeah, there's been talk about dropping Kara and bringing in all manner of new hosts from Nigel Lythgow to Courtney Love. I wonder if they'll consider dropping the four host format and go back to three.

Yeah, there's been talk about dropping Kara and bringing in all manner of new hosts from Nigel Lythgow to Courtney Love. I wonder if they'll consider dropping the four host format and go back to three.

Nigel is coming back as EP.

Wow, this show really wants to die a painful and miserable death...

Just bring on the US edition of X-Factor already, most people who watch Idol anyway watch for Simon's reaction anyway. As SFK pointed out, he's really the star power behind that show, not so much the contestants...

Yup....I would keep Randy and get rid of Kara DioGuardi. Others considered for the panel are Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Chris Isaak

Justin Timberlake will seriously get on my nerves, I just know it.

I doubt JT's going to do it. He still doing music and movies.

Whatever, it's all about The X-Factor, anyways.

Nigel is coming back as EP.

Gotcha, I though he was also being considered as a host. Speaking of, why did they drop that Marie Osmond on crack Mary Murphy from SYTYCD?

I doubt JT's going to do it. He still doing music and movies.

Whatever, it's all about The X-Factor, anyways.

How is X-Factor different from America's Got Talent, aren't they pretty much the same show?

When does X-Factor start?

I think they need to wipe them ALL off. Randy and Kara too.

It's gonna suck, but hey, anything is better than what they have now.