"Dim the lights... I've voted myself off American Idol."
The Emmy winner is leaving the judges panel after just one season on the FOX hit, claiming it wasn't the "right fit."
Ellen came to her decision, "a couple months ago" -- and admits, "It was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings."
She concludes, "I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be."
Hours later, sources connected with the "American Idol" negotiations began to buzz that judge Kara DioGuardi had been fired.
It's believed that the show will be going back to a three-judge format and assuming all deals are finalized, the judge's panel will consist of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler?!
However, Kara may get a reprieve if the J-Lo deal falls apart... but allegedly that deal is done.
So where did J-Lo and Steven Tyler come from all of a sudden?
An undisclosed source at FOX is claiming the 'American Idol' opening for Lopez came with Ellen DeGeneres' departure from the show.
Those under consideration for his spot, according to reports, are a varied group that includes Steven Tyler and Harry Connick Jr.
'Idol" execs are hopeful tha two new judges could help "American Idol" reinvent itself for its January return, when it will try to stem a ratings slide and bring in younger viewers. The show's audience has been gradually aging, and advertisers prefer to pitch to young adults.
With audition episodes featuring the judges set to begin filming in September, the pressure is on to announce the panel. On Monday, Fox will have a chance to do that when it presents its 2010-11 programs to a meeting of the Television Critics Association.
Yesterday a lot of descions about the future of 'American Idol' were made...
