We knew that Simon Cowell’s departure as the face of American Idol would cause some serious waves, but not even seasoned industry insiders predicted this would get this crazy! Things began sliding downhill quickly for the fading franchise last night when Ellen DeGeneres unexpectedly quit as a judge on the show, a message that she delivered via Twitter: “Dim the lights…I’ve voted myself off American Idol.” Considering the rocky way her first season went — Deadline.com reports that Ellen was “not comfortable,” “not happy” and that her stint was “not fun” — we’re not exactly shocked by her decision, but this leaves the show with a serious personality gap.
Or does it? Right on the heels of this bombshell announcement came word that Jennifer Lopez would replace DeGeneres as one of the show’s judges! The Internet had been blindly (and annoyingly) speculating about Simon’s replacement for months, but after all the Elton John/Justin Timberlake/Jessica Simpson talk, J.Lo swooped in at the last moment to grab the spot. This gig couldn’t have come at a better time for Jenny From The Block, as her movie and music career have been in a serious rut of late.
But that’s not all! Returning Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is on record as wanting to return the show to its original three judge format, which means that … wait for it … Kara DioGuardi has gotten fired! (Yes!) So now, your new American Idol judging panel is now rumored to have Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and … Steven Tyler? Yes, that Steven Tyler, the one who just got out of rehab.
Phew, we’re exhausted. Thoughts?
[Photo: Getty Images]
Comments
5 Responses to “Major American Idol Shake Ups: DeGeneres and DioGuardi Out, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler In!”
really!!!!im glad ellen quit CUZ putting ppl down and makin dem feel bhadd is jus not her thing lyke at all i think she has better thingz to do… as for jlo wat ever to her…..
simon cowell left, ellen gone, kara gone. seeing who theyre being replaced. can anyone say “sinking ship” or “lowest ratings ever” or “flogging a dead horse”
Ellen is out!. That’s really good news. That was a wise decision to be made. I guess I couldn’t stand her dropping a brick during her speech along the next season again.
I didn’t watch the show that much but sorry you had such a rough time Ellen. I’m glad it’s going back to three judges and maybe just maybe the show ratings will pick up again. I think the public is whack in there voting. Some people are voted for just because their hometown wants them to win. It’s not always about the persons talent.
The show is going to sink faster than the Titanic since American Idol lost Simon and Paula. They can’t be replaced. Simon and Paula knew a star when they seen one { Adam Lambert}. I’m glad they were around to see him take off running with his career and he hasn’t stopped yet. Some of the best parts of the show was the chemistry between Simon and Paula and all their jokeing around. I liked Ellen on the show because she always had something funny to say. Simon gone, Paula gone, Kara gone, Ellen out, Randy is all alone now hope they are able to find good judge replacements, just not Jennifer Lopez or Steven Tyler.