Another Season of American Idol has come and gone. Season 22 crowned winner Abi Carter Sunday night, and judge Katy Perry bid the show farewell. Perry sat at the judges’ panel for seven seasons alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Following 15 seasons on Fox, ABC revived the singing competition series in 2018. The show began in June 2002, and it launched careers of musicians like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and more. A different trio of judges — Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul — helmed the show at the start alongside host Ryan Seacrest — who has shepherded the show through all of its changes.
ABC has not yet announced who will replace Perry as a judge and join the ranks of past and present celebrity judges. Below, find a list of all the judges in American Idol history.
The Original Trio
Simon Cowell
Known for his blunt critiques and brutal honesty, Simon Cowell was one of the original three judges on American Idol alongside Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. He remained until Season 9. He also served as a judge on Pop Idol and The X Factor UK. Cowell is also known for putting together groups like One Direction and Fifth Harmony on The X Factor UK. He now serves as a judge on America’s Got Talent.
Randy Jackson
Randy Jackson holds the record as the longest serving American Idol judge in the show’s history with his tenure of 12 seasons. He became known for calling contestants and others “dawg” as well as critiquing “pitchy” performances. Aside from Idol, Jackson worked as an executive at Columbia Records and MCA Records. He also toured as bassist with rock band Journey.
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul rounds out the original trio of judges int he early seasons of American Idol. Before she boarded the judges’ panel, she was a singer, dancer and choreographer known for hit singles like “Straight Up” as well as choreographing Janet Jackson’s music videos. After judging for Seasons 1-8 of the show, she went on to judge on The X Factor, Live to Dance, So You Think You Can Dance, and The Masked Dancer.
New Faces, New Voices
Kara DioGuardi
Kara DioGuardi joined the show in 2009 as a fourth judge in addition to the original trio. She served as a judge for Seasons 8 and 9.
Ellen DeGeneres
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul in Season 9. She only judged for one season on American Idol, after which she returned to hosting her eponymous talk show, which began in 2003. The Ellen DeGeneres Show wrapped in 2022.
Steven Tyler
Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler replaced Simon Cowell on Season 10 of the show. He sat alongside Randy Jackson for two seasons before departing to continue work in the rock band known for singles like “Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion.”
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez joined the same year as Steven Tyler and stayed for his two seasons in addition to returning for Seasons 13 through 15. She took a brief hiatus during Season 12. She is also known for numerous film roles including Selena (1997) and more recently, Shotgun Wedding (2023).
A New Era
Mariah Carey
The All I Want for Christmas Is You singer replaced Steven Tyler after his season 12 exit. She sat alongside Jackson as well as newcomers Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban starting in 2012. She had previously guest mentored contestants during Season 7. She judged for one season.
Nicki Minaj
Rapper Nicki Minaj became an American Idol judge alongside Mariah Carey in Season 12. That was her only season judging. She is known for hit songs like “Starships” and “Super Bass” as well as albums Pink Friday (2010) and Pink Friday (2012).
Harry Connick Jr.
Crooner Harry Connick Jr. joined the show for Season 13 alongside the returning Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban. A New Orleans-born singer composed the soundtrack to When Harry Met Sally (1989), and he went on to host a tak show Harry on CBS for two years. He remained on American Idol until Season 15.
The ABC Years
Katy Perry
Katy Perry made up the new trio of judges in the show’s ABC revival. She joined for Season 16 alongside country singer Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Perry guest-judged in Season 9, and she saw the show through its 20th season. She just wrapped her final season judging. Before becoming a judfe, she released albums like Teenage Dream, Prism and more.
Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie has been a judge on American Idol for six seasons since he joined in 2018. The Grammy Award winner is known for his kind comments and wisdom that he offers the contestants.
Luke Bryan
Country star Bryan has also been with American Idol since 2018. Some of his top hit singles include “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” “Drink a Beer” and “Drunk on You.”
The Next Chapter
Carrie Underwood
At the end of July 2024, it was announced that Carrie Underwood, who won the singing competition herself in its fourth season, would take over for Katy Perry starting Season 25.
“I feel like I’ve been so blessed to obviously be so rooted in country music, but I’ve been able to be a part of many other genres or music as well,” Underwood said on SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour. “I mean, I’ve got a song with Papa Roach right now. It’s a lot of fun.”
The show’s popularity has fluctuated throughout the years. The rise of social media and streaming platforms have changed the music landscape, making it harder for singers to break into the industry solely through a reality competition. However, the show remains a cultural phenomenon, and many fans are curious to see who will be the next judge.
The Future of American Idol
It remains to be seen what the future holds for American Idol. The show has survived many changes over the years, and it seems likely that it will continue to evolve. With the addition of Carrie Underwood as a judge, the show is sure to continue to be a ratings juggernaut.
The show has been a launchpad for many successful careers, and it is sure to continue to be a popular destination for aspiring singers. With its talented cast of judges and its loyal fan base, American Idol is poised to remain a force in the music industry for years to come.
