"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 realised 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."
I have to admit that I didn't think Ellen brought a lot to the judges table, but with her five-year contract, I didn't expect to see her drop out. Not to mention that she doesn't exactly seem like the quitting type, though it might be beneficial for the show to go back to three judges. Are you surprised to hear this news?
At an event for Neil Lane's new bridal collection with Kay Jewelers, Ashlee Simpson speaks highly of Jessica's new boyfriend and Kristin Davis shares her fears that Sex and the City is done for good.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi showed off their wedding bands last night at the W Hotel in LA as they celebrated Neil Lane's new bridal collection for Kay Jewelers. Many of the designer's celebrity fans also came out, including Eva Longoria, Ashlee Simpson, Kate Walsh and Kristin Davis. Neil is the go-to guy for engagement rings in Hollywood—he told us a few famous men have stopped in recently to make a purchase, but he wouldn't reveal who! We also had a chance to talk with Ashlee, who sported a a dip-dyed brown do. She revealed that she's met Jessica's new boyfriend, Eric Johnson, and she approves. Ashlee said, "He's great. And as long as Jessica's happy, that's all I wish her. And she's happy, so right on!" We also grilled Kristin Davis on reports that Sex and the City 3 is a definite no-go. She said, "I don't think it's going to happen." However, she added that she's always up to revisit Charlotte should the opportunity arise.
Is Ellen DeGeneres the new Oprah Winfrey? The comedienne/talk show host/American Idol judge is expanding her empire even further and starting her own record label. The company is called eleveneleven and apparently she drew inspiration from Greyson Chance, a year-sixer who made waves recently with his amazing rendition of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." I have a feeling Chance will be the first of many young talents that Ellen may launch, so watch your back, Bieber.
Many of our favourite stars took to Twitter this week to share photos of their assorted adventures. Eclipse's Kellan Lutz made a dramatic attempt to get his account verified, while Paris Hilton showed off her VIP status. Kim Kardashian snuggled up to her number one guy and Jeremy Piven made friends with Mike Tyson and smiled for the camera. Click through to see all the shots!
Megan Shilling might just be the luckiest girl in the world (next to Kristen Stewart, of course). The Melbourne flight attendant was at a taping of the Ellenshow in Los Angeles when she was invited on stage to play a game with guest Robert Pattinson. Host Ellen Degeneres blindfolded her and she had to touch three men in silk robes to determine which one was the real Twilighthunk. She was instructed not to touch his famous locks, which he recently cut, or his face. Megan did get to feel-up three hunks, but didn't pick Robert in the end, but somehow we still think she should be considered a winner! (Skip to 1:37 to see Megan groping Robert!)
Robert Pattinson paid a visit to Ellen DeGeneres' studio Wednesday to discuss his upcoming role in Water for Elephants. He's been in LA since earlier this week, when he stepped out and showed off his new short haircut. Rob joked with Ellen that he had to chop off his locks due to a case of head lice, but she discouraged him from starting that rumour! He did share about being impulsive, saying, "I just like doing things where you have a little time to think about what you're saying. I've always had a problem actually thinking before I open my mouth." Rob also talked about his lack of deep thoughts and what he made of being on People's list of the year's Most Beautiful People.