'American Idol' Loses Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi; Who's In?

Ellen DeGeneres quits American Idol; American Idol Fires Kara DioGuardi

San Diego Gay & Lesbian News reports that DeGeneres decided to quit American Idol after only one year - in spite of having signed a four-year contract. While she humorously tweeted that she voted herself "off American Idol," there is much more to her resignation than meets the eye.

Pop Eater suggests that, while DeGeneres thoroughly enjoyed the discovery of new talent and also the encouragement and positive interaction, it was the negative aspects of giving the feedback that chafed at the entertainer's sensibilities.

Known for her good-natured sense of humor and overall guest interactions marked by kindness and respect, her personality and sense of fairness were no match for the acerbic tongue of Simon Cowell -- the judge the American Idol audience loves to hate.

While Ellen DeGeneres quits American Idol, TMZ reports that Kara DioGuardi was not quite so lucky. It appears that the show let her go. So who is in? Names that are currently making the rounds are Jennifer Lopez, Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler and, of course, Randy Jackson. With the old guard of Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell gone, it is anyone's guess if American Idol can continue to hold on to its viewers.

Surprised? No, Not Really.

Is anyone really surprised that DeGeneres decided to give American Idol the old heave-ho? Anyone following the entertainer's statements knows that she told Ryan Seacrest back in 2009 - as outlined by Reality TV World - that she planned on being honest but not to the point of meanness. Referring to Simon Cowell, she stated: "I'm not going to be mean anyway. I hate when Simon is that mean."

Unfortunately, constructive criticism and compassion toward raw talent - and the sometimes not-so-talented - is not what audiences tune in to watch. Just take a look at The Frisky's "Top 10 Mean Girls of Reality TV," and it becomes obvious that this genre is not calling out for motherly love but queens of snarky commentary.

Will American Idol Walk a Fine Line?

The departure of Kara DioGuardi actually is a bit more of a surprise, and it leads viewers to believe that the American Idol operation is planning on a complete shakeup in the direction of its judging panel. Where will the show go during the next season, and what new surprises are in store?

Since MTV reported that contestants as young as 15 are now permitted to compete, American Idol creators may wish to go light on the snarky comments. Even though the American audience does not mind having adults ridiculed and sent packing after being reduced to tears, they might not appreciate seeing 15-year-young teens having their hopes dashed to bits by world-weary and cynical (adult) judges.

Sources

http://sdgln.com/entertainment/2010/07/30/ellen-degeneres-quits-american-idol-judge

http://www.popeater.com/2010/07/29/ellen-degeneres-departs-american-idol/

http://www.tmz.com/2010/07/29/american-idol-kara-dioguardi-judge-jennifer-lopez-steven-tyler-fired/

http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/ellen-degeneres-ill-be-honest-but-not-mean-on-american-idol-9521.php

http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-the-top-10-mean-girls-of-reality-tv/

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1641977/20100621/story.jhtml