娱乐英语新闻:Ellen DeGeneres quits "American Idol" as judge

BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhuanet) -- "American Idol" is losing another judge, Ellen DeGeneres, who was added into the show just last August.

Ellen DeGeneres is leaving America’s top-rated reality show, effective immediately, meaning she will not appear at the auditions this summer or on the show next winter, the New York Times reports Friday.

"A couple months ago, I let (TV network) Fox and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," DeGeneres said in a statement.

Comedian Ellen Degeneres poses with her award for Favorite Talk Show Host at the 35th annual People's Choice awards in Los Angeles Jan. 7, 2009.

"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," she added.

DeGeneres is the second judge to quit the show this year. Abrasive British judge Simon Cowell left in May to launch his own talent show in late 2011.

Peter Rice, the FOX entertainment chairman, said, “We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of Idol. We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show.”