Before 'American Idol,' Simon was an English record executive, producer, and talent scout in the '80s and '90s. He helped launch the careers of artists and bands such as One Direction and Fifth Harmony.
Randy Jackson was an original 'American Idol' judge in 2002 and today holds the record for being the show's longest-serving judge. He has catchphrases like "It's a no for me, dawg" and "pitchy" that help make him a memorable part of the show.
The final of the original trio is Paula Abdul. Known for her sweet comments, Abdul was seen as a welcomed contrast from co-star, Simon Cowell.
Before Idol, Paula was a singer, dancer, and performer. She even topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1988 with her singles 'Straight Up,' 'Opposites Attract,' and 'Forever Your Girl.'
Simon Cowell was also one of the three original judges for 'American Idol' when it premiered in 2002. He is known for being rather harsh and providing blunt feedback.
Before his time on 'American Idol,' Randy had a music career. He played bass guitar as a sideman for influential bands like Journey and Richard Marx. Additionally, he serves as an A&R executive at Columbia Records.
In 2009, Kara DioGuardi joined the 'American Idol' trio as the fourth judge. In an autobiography, she opened up about the negative experience she had on the show.
Replacing Simon Cowell for the tenth season of 'American Idol' was superstar, Steven Tyler. He was known for having a strong sense of humor but always provided great feedback.
In 2010, Ellen joined the judges to kick off the show's ninth season and to replace Paula Abdul. Her humor, wit, and perfect comedic timing were seen and felt on the show.
After Ellen did one season on 'American Idol' she continued her own daytime talk show, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.' The show aired for 19 seasons and ended in 2022.
Before the show, DioGuardi was a talented and successful singer, songwriter, producer, and executive vice president of talent development at Warner Bros. Records.
Tyler is a talented singer and performer most known for being the lead singer of Aerosmith. He has had chart-topping songs over the years such as 'Dream On' and 'Sweet Emotion.'
In addition to judging on 'American Idol,' Mariah Carey is a very talented singer known for her vocal range and the famous song 'All I Want for Christmas is You.' Other hit songs are 'Fantasy,' 'Always Be My Baby,' and 'Vision of Love.'
Another newbie for season ten, Jennnifer Lopez joined Steven Tyler on 'American Idol' as a judge. Lopez stayed for two seasons and then took a hiatus, only to return for three more seasons.
Nicki Minaj joined the crew for season 12. She would often give nicknames to contestants to help her better remember their names.
Before judging on 'American Idol' Jennifer Lopez was a multi-talented actor and singer. She starred in movies such as the 1997 classic, 'Selena' as well as 'The Wedding Planner' in 2001.
Before Idol, Nicki Minaj released two platinum-selling albums with mega-hits such as 'Super Bass' and 'Starships.' Since her time on the show, she has continued to produce music and earn Grammy nominations.
Mariah Carey filled in for Steven Tyler after he left for season 12. She teamed up with newcomers to the show, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj.
Keith Urban is a Grammy-winning artist who, after his time judging on Idol, got back into country music. He did, however, return to Idol as a mentor in 2023.
Keith Urban became an Idol judge for season 12 and was known for being kind and having a warm personality. He was not new to singing competitions as he sat on the judging panel for the show 'The Voice' in 2011.
Harry Connick Jr. achieved success as both a jazz and big band musician and also as an actor. He appeared in shows like 'Will & Grace,' 'Copycat' in 1995, and 'Independence Day' in 1996.
Originally, Perry served as a guest judge on season nine, and then in 2018, she joined the official judging crew alongside Luke Byran and Lionel Richie.
For season 13 of Idol, Harry Connick Jr. joined the judges' table. It was said that though he had a good sense of humor, his critiques were sometimes harsh.
Perry has released hit songs such as 'I Kissed a Girl,' 'Teenage Dream' and 'Dark Horse.' In February 2024, Katy Perry announced on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' that she was leaving Idol.
The 1970s were huge for Lionel Richie as he rose to fame as the co-lead singer of the Commodores. He is considered to be a trailblazer in American soul and pop.
In 2018, Lionel Richie joined the 'American Idol' judging team. According to People, he delivered "compassionate advice and feedback to the contestants."
In Bryan's career, he's produced 23 number-one hits and won over 50 awards. Top tracks of his include 'Country Girl (Shake It for Me)' and 'Drink a Beer.'
Carrie Underwood is an American country singer who has won multiple Grammys throughout her career. She's originally from Oklahoma and was born in 1983. Fans are excited to see her circle back to the show as a judge after winning as a contestant years earlier.
Sources: (People) (Britannica) (Fox News)
See also: Celebrities you forgot had reality shows
In season 16, country legend Luke Bryan joined the 'American Idol' cast as a judge. He provides a fun and kind demeanor that contestants and fellow judges seem to enjoy.
Carrie Underwood will replace Katy Perry as a judge on 'American Idol' in its 25th season. She told Buzz Brainard in an interview, "I think I can be honest and constructive, but still kind."
'American Idol' has been a fan-favorite TV show since the early 2000s. It has drawn in talented contestants from near and far and changed the lives of everyone involved, including the judges. The judges have changed over the years, and in this gallery, we'll explore the fifteen who kept this show engaging, entertaining, and on our TVs. From the likes of Katy Perry and Lionel Richie to the newest addition, Carrie Underwood, 'American Idol' is always changing and evolving.
Curious about who has been a host on 'American Idol'? Click through to find out.
Stars who have become 'American Idol' judges
Carrie Underwood is replacing Katy Perry on 'American Idol'
TV Music
'American Idol' has been a fan-favorite TV show since the early 2000s. It has drawn in talented contestants from near and far and changed the lives of everyone involved, including the judges. The judges have changed over the years, and in this gallery, we'll explore the fifteen who kept this show engaging, entertaining, and on our TVs. From the likes of Katy Perry and Lionel Richie to the newest addition, Carrie Underwood, 'American Idol' is always changing and evolving.
Curious about who has been a host on 'American Idol'? Click through to find out.