THEN AND NOW: All of the 'American Idol' judges

Jessica BoothJul 20, 2021, 02:57 IST

Simon Cowell was one of the three original judges for the first nine seasons of the show.Gregg DeGuire/Getty; Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

"American Idol" began back in 2002 and is one of the most successful singing competitions.
After 19 seasons, the show's still going and has had judges including Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.
More recent judges include Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry.

Simon Cowell was one of the three original judges for the first nine seasons of Fox's show.

Simon Cowell in 2002. Kevin Winter/ Getty

Since leaving "American Idol" in 2010, Cowell has started other successful shows.

Simon Cowell at the ITV Palooza in 2019. Dave J Hogan/Getty

Dancer and pop star Paula Abdul took her career in a slightly different direction when she became a judge on "Idol."

Paula Abdul at the "American Idol" finale. Gregg DeGuire/Getty

Today, Abdul is still performing music. She recently made a temporary return to "Idol."

Paula Abdul at "Thrive With Pride" Concert. Rich Fury/Getty

Randy Jackson was a successful musician when he signed on as one of the original judges.

Randy Jackson at the "American Idol" season-one finale. Gregg DeGuire/ Getty

Jackson has since stepped out of the music industry for a bit.

Randy Jackson on "Name that Tune." FOX / Getty

Kara DioGuardi was known as a popular songwriter when she became an "Idol" judge.

Kara DioGuardi at the "American Idol" Farewell Season. Steve Granitz/Getty

After departing "Idol," DioGuardi continued songwriting and pursued other ventures.

Kara DioGuardi at the 2017 Grammys. Paul Morigi/ Getty

Ellen DeGeneres replaced Abdul for season nine of the show.

Ellen DeGeneres at the 35th Annual People's Choice Award. Jason Merrit/ Getty

DeGeneres recently announced she would be ending her once-popular talk show.

Ellen DeGeneres at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Steven Tyler was a music icon when he started judging "American Idol."

Steven Tyler at the 2015 "American Idol" grand finale. Michael Tran/FilmMagic/Getty

Today, Tyler is still making music with Aerosmith.

Steven Tyler at the Grammys. Leon Bennett/Getty

During season 10, pop icon Jennifer Lopez became a judge on "Idol."

Jennifer Lopez at the "American Idol" finale. Jason LaVeris/Getty

Lopez is still making music and acting.

Jennifer Lopez at the Global Citizen VAX LIVE Concert. Kevin Mazur/Getty

For season 12, Mariah Carey became yet another cultural icon to join the "Idol" judges.

Mariah Carey at Nickelodeon's Teen Nick HALO Awards. JB Lacroix/Getty

Since leaving, Carey has continued her success in the music industry.

Mariah Carey at Tyler Perry's "A Fall from Grace" premiere. Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Nicki Minaj also joined the cast in season 12.

Nicki Minaj at the 2013 "American Idol" finale. Jason LaVeris/ Getty

Minaj has continued to release music since leaving "Idol."

Nicki Minaj at the 2019 Met Gala. Karwai Tang/Getty

Keith Urban was a popular country music star when he became a judge on "American Idol" on season 12.

Keith Urban at the 2016 "American Idol" finale. Jason LaVeris/Getty

Urban has continued working on his music since leaving "Idol."

Keith Urban at the 2021 Australian "Hamilton" premiere. Don Arnold/Getty

Harry Connick Jr. joined "Idol" for season 13 after appearing as a mentor on season nine.

Harry Connick Jr. in 2016. Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty

Connick is still releasing music today.

Harry Connick, Jr. at the opening night of "A Celebration of Cole Porter." Bruce Glikas/ Getty

Katy Perry became a judge during season 16 after appearing as a guest judge years prior.

Katy Perry on the set of "American Idol." Eric McCandless/Getty

Today, Perry is still one of the three judges on the show.

Katy Perry at the 2021 Louis Vuitton Parfum Hosts Dinner. Christian Vierig/Getty

Luke Bryan also became a judge during season 16.

Luke Bryan on the set of "American Idol." Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty

Bryan is still a judge on "Idol" and is still releasing music.

Luke Bryan at the 2021 CMT Music Awards. John Shearer/2021 CMT Awards/Getty

Accomplished musician Lionel Richie was another judge who joined "Idol" in 2018.

Lionel Richie juggles "American Idol" and his own music career. Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty

Richie is still judging "Idol" and doing concerts.

Lionel Richie on the set of "American Idol." Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty

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