• by Wayne Friedman , September 4, 2010

Kara DioGuardi is stepping down from her role as a judge on "American Idol" - this after two seasons on the job.

Previously, Ellen DeGeneres pulled herself out as a judge after her first and only season with the show. She said she was after having trouble being very critical of promising singers.

Two judges positions are left to choose. High on the list -- but not confirmed -- is rocker Steven Tyler and singer Jennifer Lopez. Randy Jackson is the lone "Idol" judge set to return next season.

"Idol" was going to announce Lopez at the recent Television Critics Association meeting in Los Angeles. But at least one report said Lopez pulled back because TV critics were reasoning she would be taking the job because she wasn't a bankable movie star.