Sources connected with the "American Idol" negotiations tell TMZ Kara DioGuardi has judged her last contestant on "American Idol" -- because she's been fired.

We're told the show will be going back to a three-judge format and assuming all deals are finalized, the judge's panel will consist of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

We're told the only way Kara could get a reprieve is if the J-Lo deal falls apart -- but we're told that deal is done.

Ellen DeGeneres announced earlier Thursday that she was leaving the show after just one season.

http://www.tmz.com/2010/07/29/american-idol-kara-dioguardi-judge-jennifer-lopez-steven-tyler-fired/

I'll admit I was shocked when I heard the news but I'm not dissapointed to see her go at all. I never really liked her as a judge, she always came off patronizing and pompus.

I'm not shocked - but I always thought that a 4-judge format wasn't necessary.

This was very predictable. She was never that great of a judge, and with them restructuring the panel of judges, there was no way she was going to stay on.