Ellen Degeneres

Ellen Degeneres (sheknows.com)

One down, another one goes down too. No more Simon Cowell, and sadly, there will be no more Ellen DeGeneres too.

“American Idol” judge Ellen DeGeneres unexpectedly quit the top-rated television singing show on Thursday after just a year in the job, citing the demanding schedule and saying it wasn’t right for her.

As DeGeneres said in a statement, “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.”

The statement continued, “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.”

DeGeneres was hired last summer to replace the volatile but popular Paula Abdul, who quit in a contract renewal dispute. DeGeneres, who signed a five year contract with “Idol” in 2009, was expected to bring humor and new viewers to the show, but the choice was widely criticized because she lacked music industry credentials. TV critics and many fans also felt she lacked chemistry.

Regarding DeGeneres’ departure, Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment Fox Networks Group said, “We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of IDOL. We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show.” The surprise departure of DeGeneres leaves producers with just two judges — Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi — one month before auditions in front of the panel begin in September for the 10th season.

Until now, Cowell’s replacement has not yet been announced and rumors have flown around the Internet this week that a wholesale revamp of the show. With DeGeneres is now also out of the panel, it has the opportunity to bring in two new faces for season 10 in January. The network could make an announcement Monday, when it presents its 2010-11 programming schedule to members of the Television Critics Association meeting in Beverly Hills.

For now, as Ellen DeGeneres is dancing off “American Idol,” Jennifer Lopez is poised to step in. Sources said that the “No Me Ames” singer is close to signing a contract to be the show’s new judge. Lopez has served as a guest mentor and performed on Idol in the past, so she won’t be that much of a stranger to the show.

Are you sad to see Ellen go? and do you agree if J.Lo stepping in? Shout out on comments below!

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