Less than a day after Ellen DeGeneres announced her 'American Idol' departure, TMZ is reporting Kara DioGuardi has "been fired," citing sources connected with the show's negotiations for next season, which will mark the singing competition's tenth installment.
"A couple months ago, I let FOX and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," DeGeneres said in a statement yesterday. "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."
"We're told the show will be going back to a three-judge format and assuming all deals are finalized, the judge's panel will consist of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler," TMZ writes, adding that Kara's only chance at staying on 'Idol' is "if the J-Lo deal falls apart -- but we're told that deal is done."
The 39-year-old singer-songwriter joined 'Idol' just two seasons ago, shaking up the hit show's three-judge format. Ellen DeGeneres' departure comes after just one season.
Whatever happens with Kara -- and, holy cow, by the way, J-Lo and Steven Tyler?! -- this will go down as 'Idol's' most turbulent hour yet.
Though Team Lopez and FOX officials have not commented, Deadline Hollywood is citing a source claiming the singer's manager has been working on the deal "under the utmost secrecy" for a month. The AP is reporting the same, citing a person familiar with the negotiations.