DeGeneres, Cowell Force ‘American Idol’ Delays

Might ‘American Idol’ already be experiencing diva behavior?

Producers were forced to delay Hollywood Week auditions to accommodate the schedules of Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres. Cowell has to finish shooting London’s ‘X Factor’ while no specific reason was given for DeGeneres’ delay.

“It’s a scheduling issue,” an ‘Idol’ source told the New York Post. They also revealed that DeGeneres doesn’t have an official start date for the show, although she’s expected to start when Hollywood Week kicks off in January.

The 200 ‘Idol’ hopefuls that will move on to Hollywood Week have already dealt with the likes of guest judges Katy Perry and Neil Patrick Harris - both sat in for local tryouts.

When the new season does premiere all eyes will be on the ratings as ‘Idol’ moves forward without Paula Abdul.

Randy Jackson recently told In Touch that he misses Abdul “desperately,” as does Cowell and Kara DioGuardi. He also said Abdul would be welcome back anytime.

More on These Topics: American Idol | Ellen Degeneres | Simon Cowell