Ellen Degeneres Out, J Lo Reportedly In As 'American Idol' Judge

Going And Coming?

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS is reporting that ELLEN DEGENERES is leaving "American Idol" after one season as a judge for the FOX TV show. DEADLINE.COM reports that JENNIFER LOPEZ has officially inked a deal to join "Idol" and that the announcement was being kept under wraps until DEGENERES' exit was made public.

A person close to the show told THE AP that DEGENERES "won't return for the 10th season, which gives 'American Idol' two vacancies on its judging panel. FOX has yet to announce a replacement for SIMON COWELL, who left at the end of last season to start a new talent show for the network."

Meanwhile, MTV reports "all types of celebrity names have been bandied about as possible replacements. ELTON JOHN and JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE were reportedly thrown out as names on an 'Idol' wish list. Pop starlet JESSICA SIMPSON has also popped up as a potential name ready to sign on."

« see more Net News