Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres out on Idol

The reality has set in for “American Idol” supporters that Simon Cowell is no more a part of the show. The real scare now is that everybody is abandoning ship. Ellen DeGeneres shared with her adoring public that she is leaving “AI”. Not just that, but according to the L.A. Times, Kara DioGuardi has been fired. That leaves Randy Jackson and empty seats that may very well be filled by Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

’American Idol’ has come on hard times

Fox and the “American Idol” production group seem intent on squeezing every last bit of magic out of the show’s formula, and there may nevertheless be some left. Jennifer Lopez will allegedly bring the show muchos magicos as Kara DioGuardi’s replacement, says Deadline.com. Coincidentally, Lopez started her career as a dancer, much like Paula Abdul. A Lopez return to Fox may remind some of her stint as a dancer on “In Living Color”.

Viewers were jumping ship

While “American Idol” remains America’s most-watched television program, the loss of viewers in recent seasons gave the producers pause. The Times indicates that there had been grumblings behind the scenes that Ellen DeGeneres should leave. Unlike the Kara DioGuardi situation – her contract simply went un-renewed – Ellen was given the chance to bow out gracefully. In a public statement, DeGeneres said that “A couple months ago, I let Fox and also the ‘American Idol’ producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me”. She knew what everybody already knew from day one- that she was not comfortable giving singers musical advice.

Fox Networks Group chair Peter Rice said in a statement that “We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of ‘Idol’”.

The chemistry was wrong

”Idol” Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe made no bones about how Kara DioGuardi, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson didn’t mesh well onscreen. Adding Ellen DeGeneres to the mix didn’t help matters. Lythgoe would have loved to have Paula, Usher and Elton John, but it evidently wasn’t meant to be. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler appear to be on the fast track to “AI”.

Steven Tyler’s ample lips are sealed

Gossip site X17 Online spotted Steven Tyler outside the Sunset Marquis hotel in Los Angeles and asked for his take. It has been speculated that Tyler would play the Simon Cowell role, minus some cynicism. Tyler decided not to let on. But he did not say no, either.

Further reading

Los Angeles Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/07/kara-dioguardi-out-of-tune-with-american-idol.html

The Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/29/AR2010072905730.html

X17 Online

x17online.com/celebrities/steven_tyler/x17_xclusive_steven_tyler_tight_lipped_on_new_gig_as_idol_judge-07302010.php