Entertainment
‘American Idol’ Judges Through the Years and Why They Left
American Idol is a staple in both the reality TV world and the music industry — but that hasn’t kept its judging table from becoming a revolving door of talent.
When the series debuted on Fox in 2002, music manager Randy Jackson, choreographer Paula Abdul and music executive Simon Cowell made up the panel of judges. For the first seven seasons of the show, the trio remained the faces of the series, along with host Ryan Seacrest. (Comedian Brian Dunkleman cohosted the first season only.)
At the start of season 8, the group of judges expanded with Kara DioGuardi, who kept her seat for two seasons. The changes continued with Abdul’s exit before season 9, Cowell’s departure ahead of season 10 and Jackson’s exit after season 12.
Idol remained on the air for 15 seasons, but Fox canceled the series. It returned two years later, moving to ABC with Seacrest as the host and Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as the new judges.
Scroll down for a rundown of every celeb who has judged Idol — and the reason they exited:
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