After just one season as a judge, Ellen DeGeneres has announced that she will not return to American Idol next season. In a press release from FOX, Ellen revealed that the show "didn't feel like the right fit for me."

The problem was one that many critics thought would happen when Ellen first joined the show. While she loved praising the good singers, she felt uncomfortable giving criticism. "It was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings," she said.

Personally, I'm glad because Ellen provided absolutely nothing to American Idol. Sure, she was kind of funny, but she had no musical expertise and, as she said, she just didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Even Paula Abdul, in her more lucid moments, was willing to crush a dream or two.

The news also bodes poorly for Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. With half the judges from last season gone, there's no reason to keep the others when Idol could simply start from scratch.

The new comes shortly after reports surfaced that FOX will announce on Monday its plans for next season, and with Ellen and Simon Cowell officially out, the entire judging system could be changed. Monday we'll learn the plan, but for now speculation is that the show will completely overhaul the judges.

Currently Harry Connick Jr., Chris Isaak and Jessica Simpson are names getting some attention while many others from Howard Stern to Elton John have tossed their hats into the ring.

American Idol will most likely be a very different show next season, so Monday's announcement about the judges could be very interesting. Stay tuned for the latest on American Idol.


(Image courtesy of FOX)