Ellen DeGeneres quits Idol

Ellen DeGeneres has quit 'American Idol', while Kara DioGuardi has reportedly been sacked.

The talk show host decided to quit her judging role after just one season because it wasn't the "right fit" for her, while the pretty songwriter is said to have been asked to leave as part of a shakeup of the programme following head judge Simon Cowell's departure.


Explaining her departure in a statement, Ellen said: "A couple months ago, I let FOX and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me. 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."

Meanwhile, gossip website TMZ reports that the show will return to having just three judges, with Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith star Steven Tyler favorites to join Randy Jackson.

The website states: "Sources connected with the 'American Idol' negotiations tell TMZ Kara DioGuardi has judged her last contestant on 'American Idol' - because she's been fired.

"We're told the show will be going back to a three-judge format and assuming all deals are finalized, the judge's panel will consist of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

"We're told the only way Kara could get a reprieve is if the J-Lo deal falls apart - but we're told that deal is done."

Singer-and-actress Jennifer has reportedly been in talks with show boss Simon Fuller for several weeks.

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Cheryl Cole thanks doctors

Cheryl Cole has thanked doctors for "saving her life".

The 'Fight for This Love' singer was struck down with malaria earlier this month and has now paid tribute to the team of doctors and nurses who treated her, saying without them she might not be alive.



She told experts at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases at University College London: "I want to say how grateful I am for everything you guys have done. I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for you."

The pop star is now planning to make a donation to the NHS medical centre to show staff just how appreciative she is of their help.

An insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It's something she's given serious thought to. She's so grateful for their expertise and care. The situation was looking very bleak at one point.

"Her blood count was dangerously low, she had fluid on her lungs and she was jaundiced. But she was in the best possible place. The doctors there are first class and Cheryl knew afterwards she virtually owes her life to them."

Cheryl, 27, has been holed up in her Surrey mansion for the past few weeks recovering, although she made her first trip out this week to a local Starbucks coffee shop.

Her rumored boyfriend Derek Hough has been getting her back to full strength by cooking the petite star an array of tasty treats from his home country America, including his specialty macaroni and cheese.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Derek's been brilliant during her recovery. He's been really hands on, treating her to his home cooking. His signature dish is mac n' cheese, which has been the favorite in Cheryl's home. Even mum Joan's a fan."

The pair arrived at Los Angeles International Airport last night (29.07.10), where the Girls Aloud star is believed to be continuing her recuperation before rejoining the judging panel on Simon Cowell's pop star search 'The X Factor'.

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