Last year, Paula Abdul left American Idol because she wanted 10 times more money than she was worth. Her replacement, Ellen DeGeneres, announced that she would be leaving the show in July after one season. She didn’t like judging people, not the best trait for a judge.
Of course, we all know Simon Cowell’s story. In order to bring X Factor to the US, he decided to quit American Idol. Next season will be the first without him, as he prepares for The X Factor in the fall of 2011.
Now, the latest domino has fallen. Kara DioGuardi, who became the fourth judge two years ago even though there was never any need for a fourth judge, has decided to leave the show as well. She did not say why she is leaving. Technically, the official story merely says she is leaving, rather than quitting. Rumor has it the producers simply were not interested in having her return, and she was fired.
That leaves just Randy Jackson as the lone judge on the rapidly shrinking panel that needs to be filled quickly.