'American Idol' Stars Simon Cowell & Ryan Seacrest Praise Ellen DeGeneres
Jul. 30 2010, Published 1:33 p.m. ET
Former American Idol judge Simon Cowell revealed his respect for Ellen DeGeneres after she announced she is leaving the show after judging just one season.
"As I got to know Ellen, I grew to really, really like her," Simon tells The Hollywood Reporter. "I have huge respect for her because she's always been in control of her own destiny."
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Meanwhile, the show's host Ryan Seacrest posted a heartfelt message in the wake of the comedian's statement that Idol "didn’t feel like the right fit".
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"Spoke with Ellen DeGeneres tonight. I will miss her on 'Idol,'" . "She's one of the kindest and most talented people in Hollywood!"