Ellen DeGeneres Quits After One Season On American Idol
July 30 2010, Published 10:10 a.m. ET
Simon Cowell has gone and so too has Ellen DeGeneres.
The television talk show queen is leaving American Idol after one season as judge on the hit Fox TV singing contest, RadarOnline.com has confirmed.
Read FOX's Official News Release On Ellen Quitting Idol
She just took to Twitter and confirmed: "Dim the lights...I've voted myself off American Idol."
VIDEO: Ellen Wows On Her American Idol Debut
In a statement, DeGeneres said she advised producers of the show that she didn't feel the show was the "right fit for me".
Watch Robert Pattinson Talking To Ellen Right Here On RadarOnline.com
"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," she said.
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"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.
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"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."
Peter Rice, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Networks Group, paid tribute to DeGeneres.
"We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of IDOL," he said.
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"We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show."