Remember when Ellen DeGeneres joined American Idol? Well, that was almost a whole year ago. Ellen decided a while ago she’d had enough and will not be returning for season 10, which has already started its audition process.
Ellen says, “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.”
That means that half the panel is now gone, and rumor has it that Randy and Kara may well be following Ellen and Simon Cowell out the door.
Meanwhile, Nigel Lythgoe apparently already thinks he’s on American Idol.