Ellen DeGeneres Out as "Idol Gives Back" Co-Host

Ellen DeGeneres Out as 'Idol' Gives Back Co-Host (Zap2it)

Close to the last minute, Ellen DeGeneres has pulled out as co-host on the now-annual Idol Gives Back American Idol charity event.

"Ellen, we were told, couldn't do it due to personal production pressure and it's going to be taken over by Ryan," says producer Nigel Lythgoe, already talking to reporters Wednesday (April 2) about the Idol Gives Back special.

More Ryan Seacrest!

The Idol Gives Back special will air on Wednesday, April 9.

Among the stars expected to either make appearances or perform are Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Amy Adams, Fantasia, Elliott Yamin, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan.