We know this much about next years American Idol judges panel: Itll be different.Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres are out, Paula Abdul is still out and Kara DioGuardi may be forced out.

The rumor-mill has been churning nonstop about which big-name celebs will step behind the American Idol judges' table for the upcoming 10th season. Jennifer Lopez is reportedly in the running, alongside Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and country diva Shania Twain. Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Paula Abdul and Usher have also turned up on Idol judge wish lists. One group that has had firsthand ...

Filed under: Simon Cowell , Jennifer Lopez , Steven Tyler , Randy Jackson , Paula Abdul , Nigel Lythgoe , American Idol , TV Sources connected with American Idol tell TMZ ... execs on the show recklessly rolled the dice by choosing Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as the new judges. Our A.I. spies tell us producers have never put Lopez, Tyler and Randy Jackson in the same Read more

Paula Abdul seemed to dodge a bullet leaving American Idol when she did. Regardless of what you thought of her departure, it wasn't nearly as awkward as the current judging panel limbo. And having missed the season the series is trying to distance itself from, she's even been considered for a possible return.The former judge gives TV Guide her take on all of the big Idol changes -- rumored ...

Are 'Idol' fans sad to see her leave? Jessica Lynch After just one season, Ellen DeGeneres will gratefully bow out of the American Idol scene. DeGeneres, who was hired to replace Paula Abdul, struggled to deliver the harsh criticism expected of an Idol judge.