American Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres has left the show after just one season.

The Comedian admitted in a statement to Fox: "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for," the star continues.

"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."

Ellen replaced judge Paula Abdul for the ninth season of the popular singing talent contest, which saw  Lee DeWyze walk away with a recording contract.

The Shows producer Simon Fuller told Us Magazine:   

"I loved Ellen's passion for the artists and her nurturing skills," Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller says in the statement. "She brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly."

This was also the last season that saw the shows creater Simon Cowell on the judging panel.

We don't mean to get all melo-dramatic but no Simon and no Ellen? please don't let the show turn into another Emma Bunton hosted talent contest (Dancing on Ice, Don't Stop Believing).

Are you sad to see Ellen leave American Idol... Tell us on Twitter @areyouentwise and on our Facebook fan page.

AI might be over, but that didn't stop the season nine contestants from singing together again....