DeGeneres Out: Big Changes Coming for American Idol

There are big changes coming for American Idol when it returns on Fox for a new season, and fans still don't know exactly what they are. The latest bombshell, however, is that Ellen DeGeneres is leaving the talent competition, resulting in the show being down at least two judges.

According to DeGeneres, the decision was made a couple of months ago. What it boils down to is that she didn't like hurting singers' feelings. The statement actually backs up the uncertainty that many had vocalized when the talk show host first signed up for judging duty. With no musical background, her ability to weigh in was questioned. Apparently, though the reasons may be differing, the issue of giving critique is the deciding factor here.

With no replacement yet announced for Simon Cowell, that means American Idol is two judges down, only is it three? Still unsigned for a third year of hosting is Kara DioGuardi. Could it be that American Idol's shakeup for the new season will include an entirely new panel of judges?

Recently, there was been a lot of speculation that the original producer of American Idol, Nigel Lythgoe, could be returning to the series. He left the series two years ago, and that's when the slide for the musical show began in earnest. Lythgoe seems happy and is quite successful over on So You Think You Can Dance, but if he does decide to do double duty, fans are eager to see what rabbits he can pull out of his proverbial hat.

Rumors are running rampant that even Randy Jackson could be out as a judge and that the series could return to a three person panel or perhaps even a rotating panel of judges. Eyes are watching with curiosity to see just what happens. Apparently, the only certainty about American Idol right now is that Ryan Seacrest has what some deem to be a ridiculous multi-million dollar contract to host the show.