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What a day it's been for "American Idol."
In the last 24 hours, Fox's biggest hit has seen two of its judges exit.
First, Ellen DeGeneres.
DeGeneres, who made her debut as judge this season after Paula Abdul departed, announced she was leaving the show after only a year.
In a news release from Fox late Thursday, DeGeneres said she told the producers a couple of months ago that the show "didn't feel like the right fit for me," especially with trying to juggle the show with her popular daytime talk show.
"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," she said in the statement.
The changes to the judges' table continued as reports circulated later in the evening that Kara DioGuardi had been fired.
TMZ reported that the songwriter-judge had been sacked as part of an overhaul in the wake of DeGeneres leaving. Last season was the final one for Simon Cowell, leaving Randy Jackson as the sole original judge.
Since the announcements, reports have circulated that Jennifer Lopez will become an "Idol" judge. There are also rumors that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will round out the panel of three when the show returns for its 10th season next year.
In the last week, there had been speculation that everyone from Elton John to Justin Timberlake, Bret Michaels and even Jessica Simpson would step in to fill Cowell's vacant seat.
But we're curious -- will you tune in with only one original judge left? If you had your pick, who would fill the three empty judge seats? Will the show be able to succeed without Cowell & Co.? Share your thoughts below.
-- Gerrick D. Kennedy
Photo: From, left, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ryan Seacrest, Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
