The search for Simon Cowell's replacement has consumed "American Idol" producers for months. Now the showrunners are left with another high-profile seat at the judge's table to fill.

Ellen DeGeneres is bailing as a judge of the hit talent competition after one season, Fox and the comedian announced on Thursday.

"A couple months ago, I let Fox and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," DeGeneres said. "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.

She said it was a difficult decision, and blamed the heavy work scheduled, but also admitted: "While I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings."

Fox lauded Ellen on Thursday, but gave no indication when it would name a replacement for either of the departing judges.

Auditions for the next season of "Idol" began earlier this month in Nashville. The show returns to the air in January.

Indeed, DeGeneres' tenure at "Idol" was not deemed a great success. The novice judge was criticized for pulling too many punches and not having sufficient knowledge of the music industry. There also were reports early in the season that she was clashing with Cowell. In fact, "Idol's" ninth season with DeGeneres replacing Paula Abdul, was generally considered to be its weakest.

The hunt for an acerbic replacement for Cowell has drawn rumors that stars such as Elton John, Harry Connick Jr., Donald Trump, and Chris Isaak might soon be offering performance tips to contestants. It's uncertain if "Idol" producers will also try to complement the Cowell replacement with another sugary, friendly face on the order of DeGeneres or opt to go in the opposite direction. It seems unlikely, however, that they will once again take a gamble on someone with such limited knowledge of the music business.

DeGeneres and Cowell's departures mean that Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi will be the only judges returning for the show's 10th season. Ryan Seacrest also will return as "Idol"s' host and master of ceremonies.

"We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of Idol," Peter Rice, chairman of entertainment at Fox Networks Group, said in a statement. "We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show."