Saying that the post did not feel right for her and citing an exhausting schedule, talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres is leaving her position as judge on American Idol, according to People.com.
DeGeneres, who replaced Paula Abdul, became a full-time judge on the show during its ninth season, won by Illinoisan Lee Dewyze.
In a statement, DeGeneres said, “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. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for.”
She also cited a more emotional reason for departing: “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.”
Another judge, Simon Cowell, left at the end of last season to focus on bringing the British talent show The X Factor to the United States.