Kara DioGuardi is departing 'American Idol.'

After months of speculation of whether or not the 'Idol' judge would return for a third season, Fox issued press release late Friday stating DioGuardi is leaving.

"I feel like now is the best time to leave 'Idol,''' said DioGuardi in the release. "I am very proud to have been associated with 'American Idol -- it has truly been an amazing experience.''

DioGuardi's work on 'Idol' was praised by Fox executives and 'Idol' producers alike in the release.

"Kara was a great addition to our 'Idol' family," said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, in the release. "I've been fortunate to get to know her well, and have always been amazed by her eye for talent and her commitment to developing and mentoring artists. She will be missed, and we wish her continued success."

"Kara is one of the world's best songwriters," said 'Idol' creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. "She has been passionate and committed to 'Idol' over the last two seasons. I will miss having her on the show, but I look forward to working with her in music for many years to come."

It's been a season of upheaval for 'American Idol.' The face of the franchise, Simon Cowell, has departed and so has one-season judge Ellen DeGeneres. It appears Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will come on board as a judge, but that has not been officially announced. Other names that have been bandied about include P. Diddy and Jennifer Lopez.

Randy Jackson is presently the only seated judge.

As for DioGuardi, it seemed the writing was on the wall earlier this month when her politician father, Joe DioGuardi, told a New York City cable channel that his daughter was out of the loop when it came to 'Idol' news.

"Would you believe that she did not hear and still has not heard anything? She read it the way you did and I did," the elder DioGuardi said. "In fact, her disappointment is that's the way she's being treated, and she feels that's not proper."

Idol ratings have been shaky this year, too. The May crowning of Lee DeWyze was down 18 percent as compared to the 2009 finale.