Ellen Out

Ellen DeGeneres has pulled a Sarah Palin...and gone and quit her duties as a judge on American Idol (just one season on the panel after replacing Paula Abdul).

“A couple months ago, I let Fox and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” DeGeneres said through a statement. “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.”

As Shocantelle Brown would say, “OKRR” then.

Photo: NYDailyNews.

Update 1: The person with the most buzz to take over DeGeneres next season?

Nope, not Justin Timberlake, or Jessica Simpson, but none other than Jennifer Lopez. Evidently, it’s a done deal.

Update 2: Steven Tyler is also in the running for a judge’s seat. At least that’s what he said.