'American Idol' Stars Simon Cowell & Ryan Seacrest Praise Ellen DeGeneres

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."

OK! NEWS: ELLEN DEGENERES SAYS FAREWELL TO IDOL

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".

"Spoke with Ellen DeGeneres tonight. I will miss her on 'Idol,'" . "She's one of the kindest and most talented people in Hollywood!"