Ellen DeGeneres, a comedian and talk-show host, joined "American Idol" in its ninth season, but said she decided a couple of months ago not to return for its upcoming 10th.Ellen DeGeneres said via Twitter Thursday she won't be returning as a judge on "American Idol" next season."Dim the lights ... I've voted myself off American Idol," she tweeted."It was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings," she said. "I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be."Longtime "Idol" judge Simon Cowell left the show at the end of last season, leading to rampant speculation about who might take over for him. Now the show will have to replace two judges.Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are to replace Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres as judges on "American Idol," TMZ said.DioGuardi was fired from the post and DeGeneres announced Thursday she had quit, the Web site said.The casting changes mean the show is going back to a three-judge format and Randy Jackson will be the only holdover from the cast when the singing competition series returns for a 10th season.Simon Cowell was the fourth judge, but left at the end of Season 9 to executive-produce and eventually star in another talent show, "The X Factor."
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