DeGeneres saddened by Cowell's quitting

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Ellen DeGeneres says she is "very, very sad" she will only have one season to judge alongside Simon Cowell on TV's "American Idol."

DeGeneres joined the U.S. singing competition show as the fourth judge for the series' current ninth season.

Cowell announced Monday his plans to leave "Idol" at the end of Season 9 to concentrate on his latest project, an Americanized version of his U.K. talent show, "The X Factor."

"He announced he's leaving on my first day!" Usmagazine.com quoted DeGeneres as saying on an episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" set to air Tuesday. "I'm trying not to take it personally. But seriously, I am going to be very, very sad to see him go, because I think he's made the show what it is. He's a huge part of that show, but he wanted a change.

"I wish him all the luck in the world hosting 'The Tonight Show,'" she joked in conclusion.