Take a longing last look at that picture, Idol/Ellen fans, 'cuz it's a sight you won't see again. Ellen DeGeneres is officially out of Idol. She reportedly met with producers and Fox months ago and told them she wanted out, that it wasn't "a good fit" for her and she wanted to give them a chance to find a replacement before going public.
Sounds kind of her and might well be true. It's not unlikely that she would have faced the boot, anyway, along with those other two on the panel and that she has been allowed to save face.
Reports say that original producer Nigel Lythgoe is close to coming back and he's said he'd like to replace the entire panel because there is no chemistry among the judges anymore. Without Simon, there's no point keeping any of them. Ryan should go, too, and since Fox insists on keeping this tired show going for another year, an all fresh start is the way to go.
So who's replacing Ellen? Some are buzzing Jennifer Lopez has inked a deal to sit in a judge's seat. But not Simon's. THAT seat might be warmed by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
I'm hearing that on the Twitter universe.
Might not be true. But if it is, I can see Tyler bringing some needed 'tude to this panel but it'll be the death knell for Aerosmith. Nothing says hip rock n rollers like being a judge on American Idol. Look for Aeromate Joe Perry to walk this way -- in another direction, if it's true.
In the meantime, we could find out on Monday who makes it onto the panel as Fox is supposed to discuss its fall lineup with TV critics in Beverly Hills, AP reports.
FRIDAY UPDATE: Idol appears heading back to a three judge panel and the news is good for Randy Jackson, who, it appears, will remain. Lopez has reportedly inked her deal according to TMZ and Tyler is in town with Fox peeps, but tight lipped (given his lips, that's a feat). Odd woman out? Kara DioGuardi, axed after two seasons. We'll know shortly.
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