Just days before "American Idol" is reportedly set to announce the Season 10 judging panel, Ellen DeGeneres has officially resigned from her position.
“A couple months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” said DeGeneres in a press release. “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.”
“We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of Idol,” said Peter Rice, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Networks Group. “We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show.”
“It was a joy to work with Ellen,” added Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “She brought an incredible spirit to Idol and was a great new addition to the team. While we’re saddened by her decision, we are very appreciative that she gave us ample notice so that we could work through it together.”
“I loved Ellen’s passion for the artists and her nurturing skills,” said Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “She brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly.”
“We will miss Ellen, she has been the consummate professional throughout her time on the show, and she’ll always be part of the American Idol family,” added Cecile Frot-Coutaz, IDOL executive producer.
UPDATE: Simon Cowell wishes Ellen well in a statement released to THR. "As I got to know Ellen, I grew to really, really like her. I have huge respect for her because she's always been in control of her own destiny."
UPDATE: "Spoke with Ellen DeGeneres tonight. I will miss her on 'Idol,'" Ryan Seacrest tweeted. "She's one of the kindest and most talented people in Hollywood!"
ALSO: Our favorite "Idol" expert, Jim Cantiello from MTV News, weighs in on Ellen's news!
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Comments
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IF ONLY Kara was gone…lol That would be an incentive to keep watching. Quote
I'm not sure I'll watch the show again with Paula and Simon gone. I usually mute Kara anyway, so that just leaves Randy and some of the possible choices to replace Simon or Ellen are not people I'd want to listen to each week.
The past season was such a let-down and it seems the Idol excitement is gone. Quote
I also hope Kara Dioguardi keeps in. Quote
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