Ellen DeGeneres :Departs 'American Idol'

Aftre just one season, ellen DeGeneres is bowing out as a judge on 'American Idol,' FOX announced in a statement  Friday. After the news hit , DeGeneres tweeted, "Dim the lights ...I've voted myself off American Idol.

"A couple of 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 a 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 was discovering , supporting and nurturing young talent, it was  hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feeling . 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.

In the same statement from FOX, 'Idol' creator Simon Fuller shared his thoughts , I loved Ellen's passion for the artists and her nurturing skills. She brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly."

DeGeneres is the second judge to depart after the nineth season - Simon Cowell made headlines earlier this year when he announced his plans to leave to focus on bringing a new show to American audiences, "The X Factor."

In a statement to  The Hollywood Reporter on the occasion of Ellen's resignation, Cowell said, "As I got to know Ellen, I grew to really,really like her. I have huge respect for her because she's always been in control of her own destiny."

Ryan Saecrest also chimed in on his Twitter: I will miss her on  'Idol.' She's one of the kindest and most talented people in Hollywood !"

Rumors are running  rampant in Hollywood about who will succeed Cowell and DeGeneres in the judges chairs. Names thrown around  include Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake and Sean  'Diddy' Combs.

My spin: Best of luck to Ellen and Simon...whoever is picked ...they have some large shoes to fill.

UPDATE :  TMZ is reporting that Kara DioGuardi has been fired and the show is close to locking up Jennifer Lopez and Areosmith's Steven Tyler in a return to the three judge format...stay tuned..updates as they become available.

Chris Isaak to Replace Simon Cowell ??

Folksy rock singer Chris Isaak has met twice with Fox as the search intensifies to replace caustic "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell. Isaak, in addition to penning hit songs like 1989's "Wicked Game," has appeared in a slew of TV series over the years, including "Eastwick," "Cold Case," "Smallville" and his own "Chris Isaak Show" for Showtime.
Another affable crooner, Harry Connick Jr., also has been considered.  Rocker Bret Michaels was given the once-over and even lobbied for the job last week in a Headline News interview ("I would love to do it, I would really bring it to the table," Michaels told Joy Behar). Sources say, however, that Michaels is out of the running.  Even Donald Trump has quietly lobbied to replace Cowell despite his longtime association with NBC as producer and judge of "The Apprentice" franchise.


While Fox insists no decision is imminent, the clock is ticking to replace Cowell as preliminary auditions get under way for the talent show's 10th season. Peter Rice, the network's new entertainment chairman, has said he expects the new "Idol" judge to join the audition roadshow by early September.


Complicating matters: Cowell's upcoming Fox singing competition "The X Factor" is similarly seeking judges.
Armed with a list of prospects, Fox is trying to figure out how all the pieces will fit together for both "Idol" and "X Factor" -- a delicate process given the long-standing tension between Cowell and "Idol" executive producer Simon Fuller. 'Oh, what a wicked game it all is.'