SOLE SURVIVOR: Randy and Ericka Jackson dedicated two new dance floors to the Lula Washington Dance Theater in 2009. (Photo by Olu Alemoru)
Story Created:
Jul 30, 2010 at 2:33 PM PST
Story Updated:
Jul 30, 2010 at 6:27 PM PST
The Big Dawg might be getting a double dose of flamboyance for the upcoming 10th season of 'American Idol' following news that comedian Ellen DeGeneres has called it quits after one season and reports that Kara DioGuardi's option is not being picked up.
Following the departures of acid-tongued Simon Cowell and kooky Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson is the sole judging survivor of the pop culture phenomenon that debuted on Fox in 2002.
According to media speculation, Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler is expected to join the panel with Jennifer Lopez said to be locked in to a done deal. A press conference is expected on Monday, TMZ reported.
In a statement from DeGeneres and the network, the chat show host said she notified Fox and Idol producers "a couple of months ago" that the show wasn't the right fit for her.
"It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for," she said.
"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 ... and I am very grateful for the year I had."
Jackson, a Grammy winning musician, record producer and music executive, is himself no stranger to inspiring young talent as the executive producer of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew."
And in January 2009, he and his wife Ericka, delighted South Los Angeles youth by unveiling two newly renovated dance floors at the renowned Lula Washington Dance Theater in the Crenshaw District.
Named after the pair, the dance rooms were part of philanthropic partnership between the LA84 Foundation and Nike, who provided the new floors from its recycled shoe manufacturing material called Nike Grind.
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