Ellen DeGeneres has opted to leave American Idol after one season of joining the show! The blonde judge posted a statement on her
daytime show’s website.
A couple months ago, I let FOX and the “American Idol” producers know that 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. 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.
I respect her for realizing she wasn’t the right fit for the show. After seeing her judge on So You Think You Can Dance, I knew she would not work. As a daytime talk show host, actress and comedian I think she is great. As a judge, it was not the right fit for her.
It will be interesting to see who they will get to replace her. On Monday Fox will be having their press day and we critics have been speculating that they would make the announcement of the Idol changes then and sounds like they will. I just hope that they don’t announce that Nigel Lythgoe is going to be one of the judges. What I do hope is that they go back to 3 judges!
We will find out on Monday…I hope!!!
UPDATE: Deadline Hollywood is reporting that Jennifer Lopez will be joining American Idol as a judge. She is a good get for the show, but a bad get for me. We shall see on Monday if she is the new one…
