MAJOR shake ups in the American Idol judging line up. Ellen DeGeneres announced late yesterday that she has quit the show, after just a year.
In a statement released to multiple media outlets, Ellen stated, “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.”
Ellen, 52, replaced Paula Abdul as a judge for the show’s ninth season. “It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for,” her statement continues, before adding that “it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings.”
The AI news did not end there as TMZ then confirmed this morning that fellow judge Kara DioGuardi has been fired, and that the show will be going back to a three-judge format.
And who will be replacing Ellen and Kara on the judging panel? According to GossipCop and TMZ, it will be none other than Jennifer Lopez aka Jlo and rocker Steven Tyler.
GossipCop was the first to report the news, when they ran a story last night stating that American Idol had offered the two spots to both Jlo and Steven.
TMZ also confirmed this morning that assuming all deals are finalized, the judge’s panel will consist of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Adding that the only way Kara will get her job back is if Jlo rejects the offer.
American Idol is reportedly hoping to announce their new judging line up on Monday.
TELL US: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CHANGES IN THE AI JUDGING LINEUP?
