There’s a huge shake-up going on at AMERICAN IDOL.
We already knew that controversial judge Simon Cowell left the show at the end of last season to begin work on a similar new reality talent show. Now producer’s have decided NOT to renew the contract of Kara DioGuardi, opting to return to the original 3 judge panel instead of the current 4. But late last week, AMERICAN IDOL was hit with a bombshell: It’s newest and most famous judge, Ellen DeGeneres, is quitting as well!
On Thursday, Ellen announced via Twitter that she has voted herself off of AMERICAN IDOL. The official word was that her work load of hosting a daytime talk show and producing other projects was just too much of a responsibility to continue with AI. But the unofficial word is that Ellen didn’t really like the job.
“She’s not comfortable. She’s not happy. It’s not been fun,” Idol execs were reportedly told by DeGeneres’ camp. And according to Ellen herself, she never really liked the thought of “judging” people or possibly hurting their feelings. In a statement on her website, Ellen explained:
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.
The AMERICAN IDOL producers didn’t waste any time looking for someone to fill the voids left by Cowell, DeGeneres and DioGuardi. Jennifer Lopez was quickly inked to a deal to replace DeGeneres and DioGuardi once Season 10 begins. And Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler will sit in the old Simon Cowell seat. Last week, it was reported that Elton John and Justin Timberlake were also approached with offers, although both men deny the reports or their interest in joining the show.
