This Article is From Jul 30, 2010

Ellen DeGeneres quits as judge of American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres quits as judge of American Idol

Highlights

  • Celebrated Television host Ellen DeGeneres has quit the talent show American Idol,after serving as a judge for just one season.
  • "A couple of months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," DeGeneres said in the statement.
  • The 52-year-old star has followed in the footsteps of media mogul Simon Cowell, who quit the show in May to focus on the X Factor, Us magazine reported.
  • "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," DeGeneres added.
Los Angeles: Celebrated Television host Ellen DeGeneres has quit the talent show American Idol,after serving as a judge for just one season.

"A couple of months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," DeGeneres said in the statement.

The 52-year-old star has followed in the footsteps of media mogul Simon Cowell, who quit the show in May to focus on the X Factor, Us magazine reported.

"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," DeGeneres added.

The Emmy-award-winner who hosts The Ellen DeGeneres Show, replaced Paula Abdul as judge for the show's ninth season, sitting at the table with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson,and Kara DioGuardi.

"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," she said. 
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