LOS ANGELES (KKCO) -- Ellen DeGeneres has officially announced she is leaving 'American Idol' after a one season stint with the hit show.

The talk-show host and season 9 judge released the following statement on her website 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. 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 realized 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."

Her departure leaves the FOX series with two vacancies on its judging panel. The network has yet to name a replacement for Simon Cowell, who left 'Idol' this past season to begin work on an American version of his hit UK show 'The X Factor.'