Debra Byrd takes 'Live Show Leave' from American Idol

Here's yet another example of why American Idol doesn't know what it is doing this year. Beloved vocal coach Debra Byrd has been informed that "she will not continue (as vocal coach) in the studio," reports THR.

Byrd has been an American Idol staple since Season 1 and has appeared in the audition and Hollywood rounds this season. Why are they removing her?

THR adds that the reason for Debra leaving is for Jimmy Iovine to bring in his own people.

I'm so disappointed. Please Nigel, don't get rid of Michael Orland as well. Why are you destroying your own show Nigel? What's wrong with you?

From THR:

American Idol vocal coach Debra Byrd will not take part in the show when season 11 live episodes begin airing next week.

Although the longtime advisor has been shown during auditions and the Hollywood Week rounds, according to show sources, Byrd will step aside for the rest of the season so that in-house mentor and Interscope Geffen A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine can bring in his own people.

"Her role has been diminished," says an Idol insider. Associate musical director Michael Orland, who's been with the show since 2006, and vocal coach Peisha McPhee, mother of season 5 runner-up and Smash star Katharine McPhee, will stay on and continue to work with the finalists.

Byrd, who has been a staple of the series since season 1 -- and a beloved guide, therapist and sometimes surrogate parent to its contestants -- tells The Hollywood Reporter that she's only been informed that "we're not continuing in the studio," leaving the door open to future auditions and other Idol-related possibilities.