Friday, 30 July 2010

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Ellen DeGeneres quits American Idol

Talk show host bows out of her judging spot

Ellen DeGeneres married Portia de Rossi in 2008

Ellen DeGeneres is leaving American Idol after one season on the show.

'It was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings,' she says.

'I loved the experience working on Idol and am very grateful for the year that I had.

'I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be.'

American Idol's producers have expressed their sadness at the news.

'I loved Ellen's passion for the artists and her nurturing skills,' says Simon Fuller, creator of the show.

'She brought honesty and optimisn to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly.'

Ellen, 52, took a spot on the panel following the departure of Paula Abdul in 2009.

Simon Cowell announced in January that he too is leaving the show, to concentrate on the US version of The X Factor.

Kate Lucey