Simon Cowell's departure from American Idol was apparently just the beginning: The hit show's panel will reportedly look markedly different come January 2011.

DeGeneres confirmed in a statement that she informed Fox she would not be returning for Season 10 and that the reality hit "didn’t feel like the right fit for me.”

"It was a difficult decision, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for ... I loved the experience working on Idol, am very grateful for the year I had.”

Her tenure on the program lasted just one season.

Creator Simon Fuller said he “loved Ellen’s passion for the artists" and that "she brought honesty and optimism to our judging panel and I will miss her greatly."

Get ready for a much different American Idol panel.

Here's where it gets crazier: Reports say Kara DioGuardi has also been let go by American Idol, leaving Randy Jackson as the last man standing in a major overhaul.

The show will reportedly be going back to the three-judge panel of years past, with Jackson and a couple of big-name newcomers: Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

This comes amid rumors of everybody from Harry Connick, Jr., to Bret Michaels, Chris Isaak and even Jessica Simpson negotiating for judging spots in recent weeks.

Looks like J. Lo and the Aerosmith frontman won out. Kara could be asked back if the Lopez deal fell apart, but sources claim it is already a done deal. Wild stuff.

Assuming this is true, what do you think of the new American Idol panel? Is it a much-needed reboot or a desperate gimmick? Comment and discuss.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.