Posted by Adam

Sunday August 1, 2010

SIMON Cowell has “huge respect” for Ellen DeGeneres.

The music mogul says he admires DeGeneres’ decision to quit American Idol after just one season.

“As I got to know Ellen, I grew to really, really like her,” said Cowell, who left Idol at the end of its most recent season.

“I have huge respect for her because she’s always been in control of her own destiny.”

Ellen recently announced that she was bowing out of the TV talent show.

“A couple months ago, I let FOX and the American Idol producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” she said in a statement Thursday.

“I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for.

“I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on Idol and I am very grateful for the year I had, I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be.”

Tags: ellen degeneres, simon cowell