After just one season, Ellen DeGeneres is bowing out as a judge on ‘American Idol,’ FOX announced in a statement Thursday. After the news hit, DeGeneres tweeted, “Dim the lights … I’ve voted myself off 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,” DeGeneres said in the FOX statement. “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.”
(Source: PopEater.com)