Did Ellen leave before being fired?
Yes, Ellen told Idol she was leaving at the end of last season. She agreed to delay the announcement until they made sure they had a replacement lined up.
It looks like Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will be replacing Kara and Ellen. There will be NO replacement for Simon. Nigel Lythgow has made it very plain that he wants the panel back to 3 judges now that he is back in charge.
While all reports are still saying Randy is still on the panel - I am betting that there will be a ‘Surprise’ Randy has chosen to leave Idol announcement on Monday right before Fox holds their Fall Schedule press conference.
I would expect that Randy will be replaced by Nigel himself, or possibly Harry Connick jr.