'American Idol': Ellen DeGeneres is out, and the guessing game begins

After days of furious rumors, Ellen DeGeneres' much-criticized tenure as the fourth judge on "American Idol" officially sputtered to an end Thursday after just one season, as TV’s top-rated show undergoes a massive overhaul.

Meanwhile, Deadline.com reported that Jennifer Lopez has signed to be a judge on the show, although by day’s end spokespersons for the producers and network had yet to confirm the news. Other unconfirmed reports had longtime Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler also hired for the judges' table. 

Beyond the show’s pervasive cultural influence – including grooming top singers such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood - the next moves for “Idol” are of great importance to the TV industry. “Idol” has reshaped the race among the four major broadcast networks, helping Fox pile up enormous advantages among the young-adult viewers that advertisers crave. However, the show has suffered several seasons of ebbing ratings and saw especially sharp erosion the second half of this past season.

In a news release hustled out by Fox near the end of the day, DeGeneres said she told the producers a couple of months ago that the show "didn't feel like the right fit for me," partly because of increased work commitments elsewhere, including her popular daytime talk show.

But "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 added.

DeGeneres was brought on for the ninth season last September – too late to participate in auditions taped earlier in the summer - as a replacement for Paula Abdul, who exited in a contract dispute. While some fans savored her lighthearted quips, DeGeneres was criticized by many "Idol" fans for having no background in the music industry and too often consuming precious time at the judges’ table to echo the sentiments of fellow judge Randy Jackson.

Early on, she also reportedly maintained frosty relations with Simon Cowell, the show's highest-profile judge. However, DeGeneres conducted a friendly interview with Cowell on her show last spring to memorialize his “Idol” departure. Next year, Cowell will start as a judge and producer on Fox’s American edition of his reality contest, "The X Factor," which is already a hit in Britain. 

Of this season's four judges, only Jackson and Kara DioGuardi remain. But how long their tenure will last now seems an open question. The producers of “Idol,” Fremantle Media and 19 Entertainment, are said to be in talks with former “Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe – who left the show almost exactly two years ago after reportedly butting heads with Cowell – to return to oversee the show and possibly serve as a judge. Lythgoe, who declined several requests for an interview, currently serves as a judge on Fox’s summer show “So You Think You Can Dance” and is said to favor a wholesale reinvention of “Idol.”

The addition of Lopez – J-Lo to fans – would certainly move him toward that goal. However, it was unclear whether Fox will move back to a three-judge format – or add yet another name to make a panel of four. Cowell’s exit sparked a celebrity gold rush for his seat at the judge’s table. Websites in recent days have been filled with rumors of candidates for the gig, including Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Harry Connick Jr., Chris Isaak, Jamie Foxx, Bret Michaels and Sean “P Diddy” Combs. Gossip blogger Perez Hilton has launched his own campaign as well.

The producers still have some time to figure out their alternatives, although the clock is ticking. “Idol” begins filming auditions with the judges in mid-September.

-- Scott Collins and Maria Elena Fernandez

twitter.com/scottcollinsLAT

twitter.com/writerchica

Photo: Jennifer Lopez in concert in New York. June. Credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

RELATED:

Ellen DeGeneres is out as "American Idol" judge

Nigel Lythgoe may return as an executive producer of "American Idol"

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Comments

[Jay Adler Comment]

Is it not obvious that the raison d'etre of American Idol is to find catchy and illustrious judges. The show has very little to do with music or discovering the next Joni Mitchell and ten years since inception we can reflect and verify. I started my internet company in 2005 and my first few blogs replete with typos dwelled on the need for a professional music hour possibly including entertainers on the oldies tour,young acoustic singer songwriters and even big time bands trying to promote a tour. Viewers who love their music and understand it do not watch American Idol. They do not care if Simon's tee shirt does not fit. They also would like to see a James Taylor or a Tom Jones, both active instead of the reformatted and inoculate mosaic that Idol has engineered for us. The country is now worshiping a 12 year old male singer because our A&R people cater to the tweens and the high cash they get from their parents. Johnny Mathis at maybe 70 years old is coming to Long Island NY. That is music in its purist sense.

[the_turk]

This show is unwatchable and with the low level of talent this year, a hard reboot is in order.

[lagtat]

LOL @ jay adler's comments..."discovering the next Joni Mitchell"?? haha are you stuck in a time warp??? Joni Mitchell was barely relevant back in the 60s and she certainly isn't today. And noone who watches American Idol would rather see those relics James Taylor or Tom Jones. You should just go put on a Johnny Mathis record and fire up your betamax and leave the comments on A.I. to those who actually know something about the modern state of music.

[nightlife]

I would be far more interested in seeing / hearing contestants develop their own music then to hear retreads I can hear in my local bar with a copy band. In the days of Pro Tools, a music recording production software program, aspiring artists can develop songs using very good tools while bringing in live musicians to play tracks. American Idol can supply standard racks with the same equipment and rotate engineers of the same caliber. Each week the contestants can develop songs in a particular catagory (same as they do now) It shows their creativity with the material and audio engineering, the same things consumers will hear on CDs or the radio. Audiences' and judges will know clearly when a song is bad or too much garbage is used too cover bad vocals or a otherwise terrible song. The judges can be todays top producers, or famouus engineers, who have ears tuned to knowing about audio defects, and tricks. The software and rehersals can be filmed and displayed on the broadcast so the audience can see how the song progress' or where artist approved bad settings may be. Some of that can be done in advance of the airing where the judges can hear the new song in its final version and be able to look at settings with out changing them in any way so they can make appropriate comments on them as well as the overall product.

[ificandream]

"Idol" is not a talent factory. It's an entertainment program. This publicity campaign about the judges is just a game. I'm really surprised they let Cowell leave, since he was the watercooler buzz. They've already picked their judging staff. J-Lo is too obvious, though she'd get a lot of publicity. It will be those who can create more news. Count on it.

[innerjuju]

Idol has two main problems. First, they are more interested in those with tragic backstories (with make for good tv) than they are with discovering actual talent that can sing. Second, the four judge format takes too much time and is excruciatingly boring. Idol needs to quit with the campy wannabes during try-outs (do we really need ten minutes devoted to 'Pants On The Ground?' Someone who made it through who did not even meet Idol's age requirement- much less talent.) Now that Simon is leaving, Idol needs to fire Kara and go back to a three judge format but whomever the judges are, they need to be fair and come from a music background. Lythgoe might be able to pull this off. This is Idol's chance. They had better not blow it.

[Ivan]

If J-Lo is in, that would appear to rule out Diddy. You cannot have two high-profile judges with limited singing ability, notwithstanding Paula (who had limited singing ability) and Simon (who had absolutely no music experience).

The situation would be complicated by two things: the fact that J-Lo and Diddy have a romantic history (though some would like that) as well as mug shots, and that J-Lo is married. Would Marc Anthony want those two working together and flirting it up at the judge's table? I think not!

Unless Idol producers and the public want to be part of a very public divorce, they are not going to get the "Paula & Simon...are they or aren't they?"...sparks that permeated the show for years, with J-Lo. Add to that the salaries "Diddyfer", "Puff-Lo" or "J-Diddy" would immediately demand, which would only increase over time.

All of that said, J-Lo is extremely talented and probably knows how to spot talent. For that merit, however, I would have chosen Diddy over her.

A name that SHOULD be on the list is Quincy Jones. The producers should at least consider it. Although his age is a concern, he would certainly be the first judge to know, absolutely, what he's talking about (aside from Randy) since Simon left. Quincy is a charismatic, proven talent who knows music and talent inside out, and he has shown over the years that he has an innate ability to connect with younger fans. He's also a good-looking older man.

But, with Quincy, there would be no undercurrent of romantic sparks...no "X-Factor", so-to-speak. Or would there be? He has an appeal to younger women. In the end, though, I believe the show would gain much more credibility but lose a few sex points. On top of that, Q is black, which ordinarily would not be of concern. In a three judge format, however, two black, male judges wouldn't work. Idol has to have diversity.

Ideally, Quincy should have been the fourth judge to join the show instead of Kara. Q-working with Simon, Randy and some young, hot babe who could actually sing and had the hots for Simon...that would have been fantastic.

So what about these other names being bandied about?

Bret Michaels is too nice for the gig, and his health problems could cause problems down the road.

Steven Tyler? Well, hey, why not just bring in Mick Jagger while we're at it? We can call it "Used up Idol". lol. Unless he's actually DOING the singing, people can't stand looking at Steven Tyler for long. He's not exactly the most telegenic face in the world.

Jessica Simpson is just ditzy enough to bring back some of what was lost when Paula left...maybe too ditzy. The "Chicken of the Sea" remark was classic and forever branded her one of Hollywood's most lovable dummies.

Justin Timberlake would be far too busy, and his "experience" would be in immediate question. Despite his obvious talent as a performer, he wouldn't bring credibility to the table.

Jamie Foxx WOULD bring credibility to the table and, under different circumstances, be a great addition. But he is a busy A-Lister who could also command too much salary, whether immediately or in the near future. That's a glaring problem if J-Lo's on board. On top of that, Jamie, like Quincy Jones, is black, and the three judge format would not would not be conducive to two black, male judges and a Latina. The show might turn off some white viewers. Hopefully, it won't matter one day, and it shouldn't matter now. But the fact is that race DOES matter now.

We live in an America that hasn't even had a black "Bachelor" or "Bachelorette" yet, and where many people want Barrack Obama out of office because of his skin color, despite the amazing job he is doing! Whites just wouldn't want it.

Speaking of the Latina princess, Jamie Foxx has worked with her before, on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color", when J-Lo was a Fly-Girl. Jamie Foxx once criticized J-Lo-s singing ability, so I don't know how well they would work ttogether. Maybe the sparks would fly (would that be a good thing?). Or, maybe it would be a disaster. "J-Foxx" or "Foxx-Lo" would bring credibility, and sex appeal, and humor to the show. But, in the end, Jamie is not the guy.

What Idol needs is a single, young/relatively young male, who is good-looking or has unexplained sex appeal, who appeals to fans regardless of age or other demography, and who would not demand too much money, and who has no skeletons. He has to be knowledgable about the music and entertainment industries and have a proven ability to spot talent. Or, he needs to BE a proven singer, at the least. And, he can't be afraid of "hurting contestants' feelings"; he needs to be tough!

Finding another Simon Cowell (who had an unexplainable ability to spot talent despite having no musical training or ability) would be impossible. It would help if he were white or Latino (Randy is black and well-respected, so the black audience will tune in).

I'll tell you what job none of these folks wants: finding a superstar to bring the sizzle back to Idol.

[KJ]

If J-Lo is really on as a judge, then the death sentence for Idol is official. Now with Kara gone as well, and "Dawg" the last standing of the original fab three, Idol is apparently gasping for breath. Bring Nigel on as a judge? OMG. Don't we get enough of his postulation on SYTYCD?

I fear the producers may be SO desperate to reboot AI, that we'll tune in in September and see Kathy Griffin as a judge.

[JD]

@Ivan - I'm not sure why you think that Simon has no musical experience, he's been in the music business since the early 80's. Maybe a quick internet search would be wise before spouting off about what you don't know. You think Jamie Foxx is the most qualified judge? He wouldn't have made it in music if he wasn't already famous!

[Big Cadillac]

@ lagtat - Joni Mitchell not relevant? Whether or not you know something about modern music is debatable, but what you know about music history sadly lacking.

[Ivan]

KJ...here's more:

Actually, Jamie Foxx studied Music at USIU and not music theater, but just the same...

And that further refutes the ridiculous notion that he only made it in music because of his fame. Jamie trained all of hios life in music. So, do YOUR homework. He's been playing the piano ever since he could walk!

[Ivan]

KJ.

You need to re-read my post, because your response to it indicates poor reading comprehension skills. I said none of the things you are attributing to me.

I never said that Jamie foxx was "the best judge". I never said Simon had no experience. I said he had no musical training or ability, which he admitted in his "60-Minutes" interview.

Does Simon sing or dance? Does he read or write music? Has he ever produced an album? Does he play any instramewnts? Does he know anything about music theory or even the history of music? Did he attend the Berklee School of Music in Massachusetts? or train with Seth Riggs? NO!!!!!

So, maybe you need to do YOUR homework.

And, fwiw, Simon was not an instant success by any measure. He struggled and went broke many times, moving back home with his parents in his adulthood.

But I gave him his props for having the innate ability to spot talent. So...WHAT'S YOUR BEEF?