So, like, what's going on with American Idol this morning?

My colleague Deb Yeo aready posted on her Reality Check blog last night that Ellen Degeneres has quit that sinking boat and that J.Lo may be taking over. Here's a round-up of various stories:

From Ellen's website: "A couple months ago, I let FOX and the "American Idol" producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me. 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."

J.Lo has no problem hurting people's feeIings "Is Jennifer Lopez adding a new job to her resume? An industry source tells PEOPLE that the singer-actress has closed a deal to become a permanent judge on American Idol‘s season 10. “It’s true,” says one insider. “She’s excited about it.” The news comes the same day that Ellen DeGeneres announced she was stepping down from her position as Idol‘s newest judge. The talk show host announced her departure, saying, “It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for.” According to another source, Lopez’s longtime manager, Benny Medina, orchestrated the deal. Lopez, 41, mom of twins Max and Emme, will join judges Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi on the panel. She previously served as a guest mentor to contestants in 2007. Simon Cowell also announced his departure from the show earlier this year.bFox has not officially announced any replacements for Cowell or DeGeneres, and had no comment about whether Lopez would be joining the show."

But what about Kara? "Sources connected with the "American Idol" negotiations tell TMZ Kara DioGuardi has judged her last contestant on "American Idol" - because she's been fired. 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. We're told the only way Kara could get a reprieve is if the J-Lo deal falls apart - but we're told that deal is done. Ellen DeGeneres announced earlier Thursday that she was leaving the show after just one season."

Comments

[Leon Arp]

Bring back Paula.