Friday, July 30, 2010

Ellen Degeneres, Kara DioGuardi out at American Idol. New judges rumored.

In some surprising news, the American Idol search for a new judge just grew by 2 more. 

Ellen Degeneres has quit her position after only 1 season and Kara DioGuardi has been fired.

Ellen, who became a full-time judge on the show during its ninth season, 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.”

DeGeneres adds, “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.” 

In the same statement, Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller says, “I loved Ellen’s passion for the artists and her nurturing skills. She brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly.”

DioGuardi was about to enter her 3rd season as a judge but she has been told by producers that she will not be returning.

According to reports, the show will be returning to a 3 judge format. Insiders say the panel has already been decided and will consist of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Aerosmith front-man Steven Tyler.  

No comments:

Post a Comment