See All the ‘American Idol’ Judges From 2002 to Now

Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson started on American Idol in 2002 and was one of the original three judges on the panel. Known for his unique vocabulary and catchphrases on the show — “it’s a ‘no’ for me, dawg” and “pitchy” — Jackson holds the record as the longest-serving judge in the show’s history.

Prior to hosting American Idol, he had a music career of his own, playing bass guitar as a sideman for the likes of Journey and Richard Marx while also serving as an A&R executive at Columbia Records and MCA Records.

Following Idol, Jackson toured with Journey as bassist. He also made his Fox return for the network’s reality reboot of Name That Tune in 2021, where he serves as the show’s bandleader.

American Idol judge: Seasons 1–12

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell joined Jackson as one of the original three judges on the American Idol panel for its premiere in 2002. Despite his rather harsh and blunt critiques, Cowell was beloved and helped sculpt the careers of many who graced the stage — both on and off the show.

Before American Idol, Cowell saw success as an English record executive, producer and talent scout in the ’80s and ’90s. He also was part of the judging panel of British reality competitions Pop Idol and The X Factor UK.

Cowell continued his work in launching the careers of artists and bands, such as One Direction, Fifth Harmony and Leona Lewis, following his exit from Idol. He also has served as a judge on America’s Got Talent since 2016.

American Idol judge: Seasons 1–9

Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul completed the trio on the original American Idol judging panel, sitting alongside Cowell and Jackson. She was known for her sweet comments, in contrast to Cowell’s often hard critiques.

Before joining American Idol, Abdul was a singer, dancer and performer known for choreographing music videos for Janet Jackson while topping Billboard Hot 100 charts with the 1988 hit singles “Straight Up,” “Opposites Attract” and “Forever Your Girl,” among others.

Abdul continued her choreography career post-Idol while appearing as a judge on The X Factor, Live to Dance, So You Think You Can Dance and The Masked Dancer.

American Idol judge: Seasons 1–8

Kara DioGuardi

Kara DioGuardi joined the American Idol judging panel as a fourth addition in 2009 for season 8. She opened up in her autobiography, A Helluva High Note, about her negative experiences on the show.

Before taking the judges’ seat, DioGuardi was a successful singer, songwriter, producer and executive vice president of talent development at Warner Bros. Records.

Following Idol, she continued her work in music production, expanding her song catalog to hundreds — while working with artists such as Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Clarkson and more.

DioGuardi also made her Broadway debut in 2011, starring as Roxie Hart in Chicago.

American Idol judge: Seasons 8–9

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres joined the American Idol judging panel in 2010, replacing Abdul for the show’s ninth season. A stand-up comic and host of her eponymous daytime talk show since 2003, DeGeneres brought that same comedic timing and humor to the judging panel. She was accompanied by DioGuardi as the second woman on the dais, alongside Jackson and Cowell.

Following her one-season stint on Idol, she continued on as host of her eponymous daytime talk show since 2003, The Ellen DeGeneres Show — which wrapped its final episode in 2022 after a 19-season run.

American Idol judge: Season 9

Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler joined the American Idol judging panel on season 10, replacing Cowell after his nine-season run. Known for his sense of humor and providing solid feedback, the newcomer sat alongside veteran Jackson.

As the frontman and lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith, the multi-talented musician is also famous for his high-energy performances, onstage acrobatics and trademark scarves hanging from his microphone stand.

“Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion” are among his catalog of chart-topping hits. Tyler and the band were set for a European tour in 2022 but canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

American Idol judge: Seasons 10–11

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez joined Tyler as a newbie on the American Idol judging panel the same year. She stayed for two back-to-back seasons, took a hiatus and returned to the show for three more seasons to share her music knowledge with the contestants.

Before American Idol, Lopez had a string of success in rom-coms and other film genres, starring in Selena (1997), Out of Sight (1998), The Wedding Planner (2001), Enough (2002), Shall We Dance (2004), Monster-in-Law (2005) and more.

She is also known for her acclaimed music career, selling an estimated 80 million records worldwide as of September 2023, per Music Business Worldwide. The Grammy-nominated singer’s smash singles include “Let’s Get Loud” and “Waiting for Tonight” among others.

American Idol judge: Seasons 10–11, 13–15

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey stepped in for Tyler when he left on season 12, joining Jackson on the American Idol judging panel — alongside two additional newcomers, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj, in 2012.

However, Carey wasn’t new to the singing competition, as she made a surprise appearance on the show on season 7 as a guest mentor for the contestants.

Carey has had a wildly accomplished music career since her 1990 self-titled debut album. The multi-platinum recording artist, famous for her extensive vocal range and iconic holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has sold over 200 million albums, according to her official website.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s most popular songs include “Fantasy,” “Always Be My Baby” and “Vision of Love.”

American Idol judge: Season 12

Nicki Minaj

Minaj joined Carey as a newcomer to the Idol judging panel for season 12, alongside Urban and Jackson. During her time on the show, she was known for giving contestants nicknames — “Nicki Names” — such as “Finger Lickin’ Good,” “Secret Squirrel” and “Joe Jumanji” in an attempt to better remember their names.

Before joining the reality competition TV foray, the rapper released 2010’s Pink Friday and 2012’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. The platinum-selling albums spawned hit singles such as “Super Bass” and “Starships,” among others.

Since Idol, Minaj has continued to drop new music that has earned Grammy nominations, topped Billboard Hot 100 charts and collaborated with artists such as Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Migos.

American Idol judge: Season 12

Keith Urban

Urban completed the trio of new judges for season 12, alongside Jackson — who marked his final year on the American Idol panel after a 12-season-long run in 2013. Urban was known for his kind critiques and warm personality, providing expertise to the contestants who auditioned.

No stranger to singing competitions, Urban also sat on the judging panel for the Australian version of the reality singing show The Voice in 2011. He performed on Idol during the season 8 finale alongside that season’s eventual winner, Kris Allen.

Following his time as a judge on the show, the Grammy-winning artist jumped back into his successful career as a country musician. He returned to American Idol as a mentor for the season 21 finale in May 2023.

American Idol judge: Seasons 12–15

Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick Jr. entered the show’s competitive singing scene when he joined the American Idol judging panel alongside Urban and a returning Lopez for season 13. Though Connick Jr. had a sense of humor, his critiques sometimes came off a little harsh.

He previously served as a mentor on the show on season 9 before stepping into the judges’ chair. Per Connick Jr’s official website, the New Orleans-born crooner is credited for reviving the big band genre of music through his work in composing the soundtrack to the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally.

In addition to achieving success in both jazz and big band music, the Grammy winner has several acting credits, appearing on NBC’s Will & Grace and in Copycat (1995), Independence Day (1996) and Hope Floats (1998), among others.

Following his run on Idol, Connick Jr. signed on as producer and host of his eponymous talk show Harry on CBS in 2016 until its two-season run ended in 2018. He later played Daddy Warbucks in NBC’s Annie Live! in 2021.

American Idol judge: Seasons 13–15

Katy Perry

In 2018, American Idol saw a completely new panel of judges — bringing in Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. Perry has previously opened up about the process mirroring her own musical journey and inspiring her feedback during auditions and with hopeful contestants throughout the season.

Perry served as a guest judge on season 9 and released hit songs such as “I Kissed a Girl,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar” and “Dark Horse” before her judging debut. Shifting her focus back to music, Perry announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February 2024 that she was leaving Idol and wouldn’t be returning for season 23 in 2025.

“It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat, you what I’m saying Jimmy?” she told host Jimmy Kimmel.

A few months later, the singer-songwriter released her empowering single, “Woman’s World,” in July ahead of her forthcoming album 143 — set to drop in fall 2024.

American Idol judge: Seasons 16–22

Lionel Richie

Richie has been on the American Idol judging panel since his debut in 2018, delivering compassionate advice and feedback to the contestants.

The music legend rose to fame in the 1970s as the co-lead singer of the Commodores. Considered Motown royalty, he was a trailblazer in American soul and pop music alongside iconic artists such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

“Easy,” “Sail On,” “Three Times a Lady” and “Still” are among the Grammy winner’s hits. The 2024 Netflix documentary The Greatest Night in Pop showcased how Richie not only co-wrote “We Are the World” with Jackson but wrangled dozens of celebrities to record the mid-’80s anthem the same night he hosted the 1985 American Music Awards.

American Idol judge: Seasons 16–present

Luke Bryan

Bryan joined Perry and Richie on the American Idol judging panel on season 16. His friendly face and feedback have comforted the contestants over the years, and his fellow judges appear to enjoy his fun company.

The singer-songwriter had already made his mark in country music before joining the show, amassing 23 No. 1 hits and over 50 awards throughout his acclaimed career.

Among some of Bryan’s top tracks across his studio albums are “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” “Drink a Beer” and “Drunk on You.”

American Idol judge: Seasons 16–present