Breaking News: Ellen DeGeneres Leaves “American Idol”

The first of the rumored major changes to “American Idol” has taken place; news broke Thursday evening that Ellen DeGeneres will not be returning for the show’s tenth season.

DeGeneres, who replaced Paula Abdul as a judge effective last season, received tepid reviews for her performance at the table. In recent days, rumors suggested that she could be dropped as part of a plan to overhaul the show in the wake of Simon Cowell’s departure.

In a statement issued Thursday, DeGeneres nonetheless takes some personal credit for the severance, explaining that she did not feel the show was a good fit.

“A couple months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” she said in a 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.”

She also expressed difficulty over having to give harsh criticism to the show’s aspiring pop superstars.

According to Variety, insiders are calling the split “mutual.” Those behind the show were complimentary of Ellen in statements about her departure, with creator Simon Fuller noting, “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.”

While Randy Jackson appears a lock to return for next season, rumors suggest that Kara DioGuardi might also end up leaving the show ahead of its upcoming tenth season.