Ryan Seacrest On Ellen’s ‘Idol’ Departure: ‘She Decided To Leave Herself’

Following Ellen DeGeneres’ announcement on Thursday that she was leaving the judges’ table on “American Idol,” host Ryan Seacreast cleared up any confusion about her departure.

“Let’s start with the big news that happened yesterday,” Ryan said Friday morning on “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” on LA’s KIIS FM. “Ellen has left the show… She decided to leave herself.”

“I had the chance to speak to Ellen yesterday, last night actually, and we talked about basically what I just read, [she] said it’s all true,” he continued. “We love Ellen and will certainly miss her. But you should know that exactly what you’re reading and exactly what she said, that’s why she did decide to leave ‘American Idol.’”

Adding, “It’s not like she needs the work.”

Ryan stayed mum on reports that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler would be joining original judge Randy Jackson at the judges’ table.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, on Thursday, Ellen released a statement announcing her decision to leave, saying, “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.”

The talk show host and comedienne revealed that she didn’t come to the decision lightly.

“It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for,” her statement continued. “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.”