Ellen DeGeneres Exits 'Idol'

Ellen Degeneres will leave 'American Idol,' according to an announcement from the comedian/talk show host herself.

She said, "A couple months ago, I let FOX and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me. 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."

DeGeneres' daily talk show, "The Ellen Degeneres Show," is now its seventh season and has won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host four years in a row. In total, it has collected 29 Daytime Emmy Awards.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America.