Ellen DeGeneres quit American Idol

**Kramer** · #1 07-30-2010, 09:56 AM

"American Idol" Surprise: Ellen DeGeneres Has Jumped Ship

A fascinating new wrinkle was added to The Simon Successor Search yesterday, when ELLEN DEGENERES announced that she's QUITTING "American Idol".

--Basically, Ellen decided to kick "Idol" because she was too busy and nice to continue doing it.

--She released a statement saying, quote, "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."

--And on Twitter, Ellen said quote, "Dim the lights . . . I've voted myself off 'American Idol'." (--That would've worked really well if she was referring to "Survivor". As an "Idol" reference, it's just OK. Kind of like her judging.)

--On one hand, you'd think that "Idol" can't be too thrilled with Ellen leaving since they're already having enough trouble finding a replacement for SIMON COWELL . . . and now their job just became twice as big.

--But on the other hand, perhaps the show is OK with the idea of overhauling the judges' panel.

--Former "Idol" executive producer NIGEL LYTHGOE . . . who you know best as the lead judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" . . . has rejoined "Idol". And earlier this year, he suggested that "Idol" should replace ALL the judges.

(--Basically, he said the show should rediscover its roots. He pointed out . . . accurately, in my opinion . . . that "Idol" has become TOO MUCH about the judges and their bantering, and should be refocused on the TALENT, or lack there of.)

--For the record, KARA DIOGUARDI is NOT signed for the upcoming season, and TMZ says she's been fired. RANDY JACKSON . . . who's arguably become the LEAST USEFUL judge . . . has one more year on his deal.

--But there's no indication that Ellen was nudged out. All kinds of people from Fox, including "Idol" producers, released statements expressing their love for Ellen . . . and their disappointment that she will not be returning for another season.

(--Ellen reportedly had FOUR more years on her "Idol" contract.)