Ellen Degeneres not returning as judge to ”American Idol”
”A couple months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me…. 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.”
Statement from Ellen Degeneres about her single-season stint as a judge on ”American Idol.” (People Magazine)
The televised singing contest was reported to be down in viewership this year, and some speculated that Degeneres was part of the problem. She rarely offered the contestants serious criticism. Others have said that her fans were not comfortable watching the beloved chat show host and comedian try to fit in as part of a panel which regularly offers heartbreakingly harsh judgements. The show’s leading judge, Simon Cowell, is also leaving so, and there is much speculation about the possible replacements — Jennifer Lopez, Bret Michaels, and P. Diddy Combs being the most mentioned. Other names on the growing list of wanted personalities include gay ”Idol” contestant Clay Aiken, and celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton.
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