“A couple months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” she said in a statement. “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.”

The Fox Network has yet to announce a replacement for Simon Cowell, who left at the end of last season.

The popular talk show which currently screens in the early afternoon will screen at 5PM from Monday.

The move will put the show up against Home and Away which has proven to be a popular lead-in to the news hour on TV3.

- Dan News

Last season’s finale boasted a record-breaking 100 million votes cast in the crowning of Kris Allen as the winner, making it the most popular series yet. This year, Paula Abdul’s seat on the panel is vacant, as the Idol stalwart has left the show – and the sensational Ellen Degeneres will take her place on the podium for the LIVE shows, as the fourth permanent judge.

Speaking on her daily show, which broadcasts weekdays on TV ONE at 3pm, Degeneres announced that she was the new judge.

“I’m not leaving [the talk-show]. I’m going to have a day job, and a night job – the times we’re living in, we’re all doing that,” she jokes.

The well-know comedian and sit-com star announced she was surprised and delighted to be offered the job working on Idol, as she’s been a fan since its launch in 2002.

“I don’t know how it happened. I’ve not missed one episode of that show, I love everything about it. I love music, and hopefully I’ll be the people’s point of view.”

Degeneres admits she won’t be looking at the performances from a technical perspective, but rather as a fan.

“I sit at home and I watch it, and I’m not looking at it from the producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as the person who’s going to buy the music and who’s going to relate to that [artist]. I’m hopefully going to be the voice of what we’re all saying at home.”

Before Ellen takes her seat on the panel, tune in for the start of the audition rounds this week, where Paula Abdul will be replaced by a number of superstar guest judges, including Victoria Beckham, Mary J Blige, Joe Jonas, and Katy Perry. Returning to the judging panel this year are Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, and Ryan Seacrest is back to host the show.

- TVNZ

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