VIDEO: Ellen DeGeneres Parts Ways With "American Idol"
(Undated) -- Ellen DeGeneres is parting ways with "American Idol" after serving just one season as a judge. The comedienne and talk show host notes the change has been coming for some time, explaining in a statement, quote, "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." She notes that time became an issue as well, and with "Idol" along with hosting "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" her work schedule became, quote, "more than I bargained for."
DeGeneres also admits she had a hard time hurting the feelings of those she was judging. But she adds, quote, "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."
