(AFP) — Comedian and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres has quit as a judge on American Idol, the hit pop music talent show announced yesiday, with reports suggesting singer Jennifer Lopez might take her place.

The top-rated US 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.

DeGeneres was not always popular with viewers as a judge on Idol, where she was seen as lacking the kind of abrasive, opinionated style that gives the reality show its edge.