Starting all the way back in 2002, “American Idol” blasted onto our TV screens and quickly became the number one show in the country. Even though the series held that title for seven years, Fox announced the end of the series in 2016 after 15 seasons. Luckily ABC brought the show back in 2018, refreshing our love and healing our pain. Over the past 18 years an array of judges have sat at the panel helping to decide who will be the next “American Idol.” Set the course for memory lane as you take a look back at our worst-to-best rankings of “American Idol” judges over the years.
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14. Ellen Degeneres
Image Credit: NBC-TV/REX/Shutterstock Season 9
Comedian Ellen Degeneres dedicated her services for three-quarters of a season on “American Idol,” replacing fan-favorite Paula Abdul.
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13. Mariah Carey
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Season 12
Known as the “Songbird Supreme,” Mariah Carey furnished her musical knowledge to contestants for one season. Her feud with Nicki Minaj distracted from the aspiring singers.
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12. Nicki Minaj
Image Credit: REX/Shutterstock Season 12
Dubbed “The Queen of Rap,” Nicki Minaj judged one season before leaving the show in 2013. Unfortunately, her feud with Mariah Carey is what she’s most remembered for.
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11. Steven Tyler
Image Credit: Frank Micelotta / FOX Seasons 10-11
“Aerosmith” songwriter/singer Steven Tyler joined for two seasons, becoming the first rock star to sit at the panel.
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10. Kara DioGuardi
Image Credit: Colurtesy of Fox Seasons 8-9
Songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi was the first judge searching for an “artist” on a singing reality TV show.
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9. Keith Urban
Image Credit: Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock Seasons 12-15
New Zealand native Keith Urban served on the “American Idol” board for four seasons until the series was cancelled by Fox in 2016.
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8. Paula Abdul
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox Seasons 1-8
Six-time MTV VMA winner Paula Abdul was the first of the original three judges to leave the reality TV show. Her fun banter with Simon Cowell made headlines on a weekly basis.
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7. Luke Bryan
Image Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin Seasons 16-Present
Country music star Luke Bryan began as a judge when the series was revived by ABC in 2018.
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6. Randy Jackson
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox Seasons 1-12
The longest-running “dawg” on “American Idol,” Randy Jackson sat through 12 seasons of the good, the bad and the hilarious auditions that we all love.
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5. Jennifer Lopez
Image Credit: Courtesy of NBC Seasons 10-11, 13-15
The always elegant Jennifer Lopez graced “American Idol” with her presence for two seasons before taking a year off. She returned to finish out Fox’s run for another three years.
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4. Lionel Richie
Image Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin Seasons 16-Present
One of the most successful balladeers of the 1980s, Lionel Richie joined the panel of judges beginning in 2018.
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3. Harry Connick Jr.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox Seasons 13-15
Singer and actor Harry Connick Jr. joined “American Idol” in 2014 after a successful turn as a mentor the previous year. He stayed until show ended on Fox in 2016.
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2. Katy Perry
Image Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless Seasons 16-Present
Definitely one of America’s favorite judges, Katy Perry joined the cast in 2016 with the ABC revival. Her wild and wacky antics keep the show fresh in this age of social media.
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1. Simon Cowell
Image Credit: Courtesy of Fox Seasons 1-9
Renowned Brit Simon Cowell served as a judge on “American Idol” for the show’s first nine seasons. His nasty yet truthful comments made the show must-see-TV.
