Ellen moving away from reality television.
After completing only one season on the judging panel of Fox's American Idol, Ellen DeGeneres has announced that she will be leaving the program.
Ellen was brought onto the talent show to build her profile in the role, prior to Simon Cowell's departure -- also at the end of the season to develop the American version of The X Factor.
In a statement posted July 29 on her website, Ellen stated that:
"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. I also realised 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."
The departure of these two presenter heavyweights is going to leave a significant hole, and a more radical overhaul may be required in order to limit damage caused to the style of the show after these massive changes.
The show has maintained its massive success in the viewing figures to date, and although it has suffered a slight drop-off in the most recent season, it is still the most popular television program on American television.
With no new presenter currently announced to replace Cowell, the need to also replace DeGeneres will be a massive headache for Fox.
Do you think Fox should overhaul all of the judges, or just replace Cowell and DeGeneres? What are your thoughts?
Comments (6)
Time to kill this stupid show. It has run its course.
put it out of its misery.
radical overhauls are what get shows cancelled.
Randy and Ryan should stay on the show. A complete overhaul would be disastrous, however the format of trhe show could use with a fresh outlook.
Ellen was never a good fit for the show. AI should see if they can win back the whacky Paula or just go back to the three judges formula, retaining Randy and what's-her-name, plus finding another bonafide judge who knows the business like Simon does. It doesn't have to be a 'celeb' -- nobody knew Simon when he started. It's weird that it's become a novelty judge act.
Here's how to save FOX the headache of finding replacement hosts every year - Cancel the freakin show already!