Talk show host/music lover Ellen DeGeneres, who recently launched her own record label ElevenEleven, just announced she is leaving the American Idol judges panel after only one season on the show.

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Ellen DeGeneres released the following statement:

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 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.

Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller says, “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.”

Peter Rice, the FOX entertainment chairman, says, “We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of Idol. We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show.”

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Oh no! This is the end of American Idol. The iconic mean judge Simon Cowell is out, Paula Abdul had already left and now Ellen decides to quit. So does Ellen’s public announcement means they have finally picked Idol’s new judges panel!?!