Don’t expect to see comedian Ellen DeGeneres judging in next season’s edition of the often boring, and way-too-long-running FOX network American Idol program. In a statement, DeGeneres said she had to move on:

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

But there is speculation she was given the boot. Coming to the show with no musical experience other than booty-shaking with celebrity guests on her popular talk show, it is rumored the show’s producers decided Ellen’s nervous ambiguity when assessing performers was not what they expected from her.

AJC.com’s Rodney Ho:

Some reports say she was willing to stay as recently as last week so it’s unclear if she was pressured to leave.

But Ellen has company in the Idol wilderness: Kara DioGuardi is also rumored to be out the door-and possibly replaced by singer J.Lo. Jennifer Lopez is said to be anxious to get back in the limelight after a series of setbacks that have culminated in a bomb movie, a bomb album release, an album being shelved, and finally J.Lo being unceremoniously dropped from her label. So DioGuardi’s loss may be J.Lo’s badly needed gain.

Still to be worked out in the aftermath of Simon Cowell’s departure is how to rescue the show’s sagging ratings. Though the list of high-profile musical appearances has risen, the show continues to lag in the ratings. The show’s producers reportedly feel a three-panel judging format may help restore Idol back to its glory days.

Oh yeah, and nobody mentioned bringing Paula Abdul back. So I guess that means they always felt they could really go on without her for real, huh??

In the meantime, Randy Jackson is now the only original Idol judge left.