The top-rated U.S. TV series announced DeGeneres was going to "bow out" after serving on the judging panel in "Idol's" ninth season.

"A couple months ago, I let Fox and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," said DeGeneres in a written statement.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I'd bargained for."

DeGeneres said she had put off her abrupt exit until producers found a replacement, though there was no official mention on who will fill her shoes.

Variety, the Hollywood industry magazine, reported that Lopez was a serious contender because of the pop star's knowledge of music and her outgoing personality. People magazine quoted an insider saying: "It's true."

Other names mentioned by Variety were Justin Timberlake, Elton John and rapper Sean "P.Diddy" Combs.

DeGeneres' decision to quit follows the departure earlier this year of the show's acid-tongued mainstay, Simon Cowell, prompting "Idol" watchers to suggest that a major makeover is in the works for the show.

"We are not commenting on any speculation," a spokeswoman for Fox Broadcasting Company, Gaude Lydia Paez, told reporter.