JENNIFER LOPEZ IS NEW ‘IDOL’ JUDGE!  Closed Deal This Week; Replaces Ellen Who Wanted Out of Contract: “It's Not Been Fun”  —  EXCLUSIVE UPDATE 6:30 PM: We've just learned the backstory of how Ellen DeGeneres bowed out of American Idol and who will be the new judge taking her place.

Ellen DeGeneres Bows Out of American Idol  —  Filling Simon Cowell's seat on American Idol was already a tough task — now another chair is there for the taking.  —  Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who became a full-time judge on the show during its ninth season, is bowing out of the series, PEOPLE has learned.

‘Idol’ News  —  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.

Source: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler offered “American Idol” (EXCLUSIVE)  —  .  —  Ellen DeGeneres is officially out of “American Idol,” because she “hated being critical,” says a source familiar with negotiations.  —  In fact, Gossip Cop hears she asked to be released from her contract …

Ellen exit heralds major “American Idol” makeover  —  LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - “American Idol” appears on course for a wholesale make-over after the abrupt departure of Ellen DeGeneres left the aging singing contest with two holes to fill as it seeks to retain its crown as the most-watched show on U.S. television.

Drew Carey Drops 70 Lbs; “I Got Sick of Being Fat”  —  Drew Carey has dropped a reported 70 lbs. — and he tells UsMagazine.com he couldn't feel better.  —  “I just got sick of being fat,” he told Us Wednesday at the 2010 CBS Summer Press Tour Party in Beverly Hills.