Ellen DeGeneres Announces She’s Leaving American Idol

After just one season as a judges’ on the hit FOX reality TV show ‘American Idol,’ Ellen DeGeneres has announced she is leaving the show.

In a statement issued to Access Hollywood Ellen said:

“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,” her statement continued. “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.”

As a big fan of American Idol this comes as no shock to me.  She just didn’t fit in on the judge’s panel.  It will be very interesting to see what happens now.

photo: Bauer Griffin