Figured that was the easiest way to start this post. In the past 12 hours huge shake-ups have occurred on American Idol in case you hadn’t noticed from all the screaming and gnashing of teeth everywhere you turn. Ellen DeGeneres quit and now Kara DioGuardi has been fired to make way for an almost entirely new Read More ...

Well here's something I didn't see coming - while the industry is buzzing with rumors about who may take Simon Cowell's place on American Idol, Ellen DeGeneres has bowed out of judging duties after only one season. She released the following 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. 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."

I have to admit that I didn't think Ellen brought a ton to the judges table, but with her five-year contract, I didn't expect to see her drop out. Not to mention that she doesn't exactly seem like the quitting type, though it might be beneficial for the show to go back to three judges. Are you surprised to hear this news?

Ellen DeGeneres Quits American Idol - Are You Surprised?

Yes - I thought she was in it for the long haul.

No - She didn't bring much to the show anyway.

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Ellen Degeneres has been extremely tight-lipped regarding the demise of her relationship with actress Anne Heche. It was fairly obvious after the breakup that Ellen was basically crushed- but she didn’t give much more information on it than that. But now that she has a new book deal to write her memoir, it looks like Ellen might just spill the beans on her three years with the formerly gay Anne.

Ellen Degeneres is using a tell-all memoir to get the last laugh in her infamous split with Anne Heche.

The Emmy-winning comic recently inked a publishing deal for a new book, and insiders say the gloves are coming off!

“Ellen’s always taken the high road when it comes to divulging secrets about her years with Anne,” a publishing insider told The National Enquirer. “But now she’s ready to spill all the details.”

The 52-year-old talk-show queen - who has been married to gorgeous actress Portia de Rossi for two years - had a three-year romance with Anne, 41, in the late 90s. The “Men in Trees” star dumped Ellen and married a cameraman.

A few days after the split, Anne had a bizarre meltdown after taking the drug Ecstasy. She was found wandering outside Fresno, Calif. half-naked and shouting strange obscenities.

“When they split, Ellen bit her tongue and really did not publicly comment on her years with Anne,” the source said.

“But she’s finally prepared to tell the world how Anne used her as a Hollywood stepping stone. She’s got no problems talking about Anne’s bizarre behavior, her drug use, and the way she used men to make Ellen jealous. Ellen is using this book to settle an old score. Anne broke her heart.”

[From National Enquirer, print edition, July 5, 2010]

Heche has publicly commented on the breakup with Ellen. She once said she “changed her mind” about being gay and “closed that door.” I’m not sure that’s how it works, but if that was her thought process on the whole three-year relationship, then no wonder Ellen was so hurt. But do I believe she still dwells on it? Heck, no. She’s married to another woman, and they seem very happy. My guess is, Ellen is writing a memoir and there will be a chapter or two on Anne in the book- but I don’t think Ellen would dedicate an entire book to an ex-girlfriend. I don’t think her wife would like that too much. I know I wouldn’t.

Ellen DeGeneres finished her first season on American Idol on Wednesday, and by Friday she and wife Portia de Rossi were already in relaxation mode by the pool in Mexico. Ellen lounged with a book while Portia put on a bikini to soak in the sun between workouts. It was a long five months as the new face on the Idol judges panel, and Ellen certainly deserves a break after helping crown Lee DeWyze the newest champion. Ellen stays incredibly busy between AI and her daytime talk show, and she is adding another project into the mix with the announcement that she is starting a record label. The company is called eleveneleven, and her first act was to sign YouTube sensation Greyson Chance. We'll be hearing a lot more from him in coming months, but for now Ellen's slipping into her one piece for R&R with Portia.

To see more photos of Ellen and Portia, just read more.