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Jennifer Lopez will join "American Idol" as a judge next season, according to a report by Deadline Hollywood. If true, Lopez would be replacing Ellen DeGeneres, who announced her departure from the panel on Thursday afternoon (July 29).
Ellen DeGeneres Leaving 'American Idol'
Deadline reports that Lopez sealed her "American Idol" deal earlier this week, following a series of meetings orchestrated by the singer and actress' manager, Benny Medina. The website also reports that it was DeGeneres who asked Fox executives to be released from her contract, which committed the comedian and talk show host to judging "Idol" for one more year.
"She's not comfortable. She's not happy. It's not been fun," the execs were reportedly told by DeGeneres' camp.
Simon Cowell Reacts to Ellen's 'Idol' Exit
At press time, "Idol" executives and Lopez's representatives did not respond to requests for comment. DeGeneres, meanwhile, explained her decision to leave "American Idol" in a statement on her website, saying that being a judge "didn't feel like the right fit for me," but adding, "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."
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