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NEW YORK — Don't call it "American Idol." Call it "Extreme Makeover: 'Idol' Edition."
The composition of the "Idol" judges' panel seems to be changing by the minute, in flux like a lunch counter during the noon rush.
Everyone but Larry King and Kate Gosselin is rumored as a candidate to replace tart-tongued Simon Cowell (out the door to create his own talent competition), Ellen DeGeneres and who knows who else.
The only guarantees left on "Idol" are off-key contestants, host Ryan Seacrest (peerless as a combination maitre d' and traffic cop), and all those conspicuous glasses of Coke.
Even the ratings — while still gigantic — are no longer on the upswing. The audience for "Idol" has lately been sliding, which, of course, is what the makeover is meant to arrest.
So who will actually populate the judge's panel when "Idol" returns on Fox for its 10th season next January?
An abrupt announcement went out Thursday that DeGeneres was calling it quits. This, after Fox had breathlessly announced signing the popular comedian-talk show host last October to replace dizzy Paula Abdul, a charter "Idol" judge who is planning yet another talent tourney.
"Idol" wasn't "the right fit," DeGeneres explained, while reports surfaced that singer-dancer-actor Jennifer Lopez is game to see if "Idol" fits her.
Meanwhile, other reports proposed that time had run out for singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi. Brought on board two seasons ago when the panel of judges was expanded from three to four, she has always seemed no more knowledgeable than she is expendable. (If these were the Marx Brothers, she would be Chico.)
No word on the prospects for affably bland Randy ("da
