Ellen DeGeneres Leaving ‘American Idol’

[Dpantherman]

By BRIAN STELTER

Published: July 29, 2010

LOS ANGELES -- There were four "American Idol" judges, then three, and now two.

Ms. DeGeneres had four years remaining on her contract. Her exit is sure to heighten speculation that Fox and the producers of "Idol" are planning ambitious changes as the show enters its tenth season.

Despite slowly sagging ratings, Idol is the nation’s most popular entertainment show, generating huge profits for Fox and the show’s producers, 19 Entertainment and Freemantle Media.

Fox officials declined to comment on her departure beyond the official announcement. Ms. DeGeneres said in a statement that it was her decision to leave.

"A couple months ago, I let Fox and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” she said. “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."

Ms. DeGeneres continued, "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for."

She also said he had a hard time judging the performers and sometimes did not feel comfortable hurting their feelings.

Even before Thursday’s announcement of her departure, people involved in the show’s production were saying that the changes to "Idol" will not stop at Mr. Cowell’s chair.

"Everybody is looking at everything right now," one of the people said.

Announcements about changes to "Idol" are expected between early August and early September. They could come as early as Monday, when Fox faces the press at a TV critics conference here.

It was reported earlier this week that one of the original producers of "Idol," Nigel Lythgoe, is in talks to return to the show.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/arts/television/30ellen.html

[Jangler]

Who? What?

[Britneck]

If there is ever something you don't care about, you will make a thread for it.

[Dpantherman]

i actually watch this one

[Darth Biscuit]

I think Ellen is funny but she was not a good fit... I saw somewhere yesterday that Jessica Simpson was in talks with them... and that Justin Timberlake and Elton John had also talked with them.

They should get Timberlake, he would be great at that... they should only get Simpson if she agrees to judge in the nude, otherwise she would suck.

[Jangler]

I will second a nude Jess! Do we get to vote for that?

[Darth Biscuit]

I will second a nude Jess! Do we get to vote for that?

She could judge in the nude AND suck. :thumbsup:

[Carolina Husker]

I think Ellen is funny but she was not a good fit... I saw somewhere yesterday that Jessica Simpson was in talks with them... and that Justin Timberlake and Elton John had also talked with them.

They should get Timberlake, he would be great at that... they should only get Simpson if she agrees to judge in the nude, otherwise she would suck.

All your credibility is gone in one post.

[Darth Biscuit]

All your credibility is gone in one post.

I had credibility? Damn.

[Carolina Husker]

It's best that you act as if it never happened.

[Darth Biscuit]

[Carolina Husker]

herro

[Dpantherman]

just heard Kara has been fired. now its just Randy