Ellen DeGeneres leaves 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," said DeGeneres. "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. 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."
"We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of Idol," said Peter Rice, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Networks Group. "We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show."
"It was a joy to work with Ellen," added Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. "She brought an incredible spirit to Idol and was a great new addition to the team. While we're saddened by her decision, we are very appreciative that she gave us ample notice so that we could work through it together."
"I loved Ellen's passion for the artists and her nurturing skills," said Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "She brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly."
"We will miss Ellen, she has been the consummate professional throughout her time on the show, and she'll always be part of the American Idol family," added Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Idol executive producer.
American Idol is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc. and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
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Emmytt
k
2 years agoby @emmyttFlag
Drewski37
yay!
2 years agoby @drewski37Flag
TheNewDrug89
This show is going to go down hill from now on. Sorry to say it. Not just with her leaving, but also Cowell leaving. I don't care if they have such a great talent as Isaak replacing him. It's not the same.
2 years agoby @thenewdrug89Flag
Brian
See ya.
2 years agoby @brianFlag
The Soylent Green Monkey
*GASP!* My life is over. OVER.
2 years agoby @soylentgreen2Flag