The mess of confusion comes as local news claims Nigel Lythgoe, returning as American Idol’s executive producer, privately told sources that Idol fails with 4 judges and wins with 3. Ellen confirmed she quit 30 days ago on Wednesday. Reports in Deadline.com claim famed manager Benny Medina has been orchestrating Lopez joining Idol for over thirty days. With Lopez’s music and movie career hideously lackluster, and Tyler reportedly set to tour one last time before a retirement, the deal makes sense for both.

Peter Rice, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Networks Group, said of Ellen’s exit “We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of IDOL. We were fortunate to receive the humor, energy and love for talent that she brought to the show.”