Every American Idol Judge Who Left the Show

Since Simon, Paula and Randy’s departure, more than 10 different icons from the music world have stepped in to find out who will win the golden ticket. However, with Katy Perry’s current announcement that She will leave the present after this seasonIt looks like there might be an open spot on the dashboard for another business vet to join in on the fun.

Find out why these judges quit american idol through the years…

Paula Abdul

Seasons: 1-8

Paula Abdul appeared in american idol for eight seasons, however, she admits that she practically gave up on day one. She says she grew to enjoy the show, but after eight years, she knew it was time to leave.

“The reality is that it was time to leave. I would never have the same job for eight years. I felt like changes were happening and it didn’t feel like the same show. I wanted to go back and do the things I wanted, and being in that contract with the present didn’t allow me to do many things”, said Paula Weekly Leisure.

She continued: “It was a bold decision to make, but I will always have great gratitude because it was an incredible experience for me. I was a big part of the story. And the present changed after I left.”

Simon Cowell

Seasons: 1-9

After 9 seasons, Idol‘It is The most iconic chosen one Simon Cowell has parted ways with the show. He launched the American model of The X question and now it feels like a choice Experience purchased in America. Trying again, he says one of the main reasons he left Idol were the age restrictions for the contestants, which was not the case on their other shows.

“How will you say, ‘You can’t possibly be a star (because of your age)’? And I found that the phrase Idol is too distasteful to be trusted by you. And why isn’t a 35 year old as cool as an 18 year old? I’ve just gotten to the point where it’s not real, and that’s why I’m moving on,” he explained to Hollywood life.

He continued: “I want to say that I still love the show, but I was lucky because I went through the red period with the artists that I’m still friends with now. And we remain incredibly good friends, we communicate, we hang out and talk. So I had a great few years!”

Kara DioGuardi

Seasons: 8-9

Kara DioGuardi only appeared in Idol for two seasons, but says her time on the show made her feel like she “won the lottery.” After her departure, she explained that although she enjoyed the show, a lot of things happened in her life when she made the decision to leave.

“The show was in transition, and for me, it complicated a lot of things in my own life. I don’t think people knew how many jobs I had and the things I was doing (outside of the show), and when it looked like the show was in transition, I decided it was time to go. It was my choice. The transition made it difficult for me not to make the decision to leave,” she said The New York post.

Ellen Degeneres

Seasons: 9

Ellen DeGeneres spent just one season as american idol Choice, leaving after season 9. She explained that she didn’t feel like she was the right person for the show and her schedule became very hectic with filming her own talk show.

“A few months ago I left Fox and the american idol the producers know this didn’t seem like the right combination for me. I told them I wouldn’t leave them in the lurch and that I couldn’t do anything until they could decide where they wanted to take the panel next. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work hours were longer than I expected,” Ellen stated in a press release.

She continued: “I also realized this season that although I enjoy exploring, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was difficult for me to evaluate people and often hurt their feelings. I enjoyed the experience involved Idol and I’m very grateful for the year I’ve had. I’m a huge fan of the show and will continue to be.”

Steve Tyler

Seasons: 10-11

Steven Tyler admits he was being paid an exorbitant amount of money to choose american idol but he left the show after the 11th season. He explained that at the time his contract was up for renewal, he knew a change was coming and decided to quit while he was ahead.

“I got to the month when I used to get cell phone calls and I thought, ‘Wait a minute.’ I called myself Randy (Jackson) and said, ‘What’s going on? Am I being expelled? He said, ‘They don’t call me…’ and then I called Jennifer (Lopez), and she said, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing.’ So there was a month of, right? So lastly, in the future, I just said, ‘It just doesn’t seem right. I’m giving up now. Then the next morning Jennifer quit, so what does that tell you? It just didn’t feel right,” Steven said. Yahoo! Music.

Jennifer Lopez

Seasons: 10-11, 13-16

Jennifer Lopez had two runs american idol. She first appeared on the show in seasons 10 and 11, but then took a year-long hiatus. Although she initially stated that she was leaving as a way of “get back to doing the opposite things” in your careershe later shared that Steven’s departure played a big role in her choice.

“We had magic. I don’t know, without it, they could be different factors,” she said. ABC Information.

Jennifer eventually returned for seasons 13 through 15, leaving when the series ended on ABC.

Randy Jackson

Seasons: 1-12

The last remaining original cast member, Randy Jackson, departed the show after season 12. He appeared as a mentor for season 13, but officially parted ways with the show shortly after in 2014.

“After 13 seasons, I felt now was the right time to leave american idol. I’m proud to have been part of a collection that found some incredible artists and will go down in history as one of the most successful television shows of all time. A true authentic, Idol started it all. For what comes next,” he stated in a press release.

Mariah Carey

Seasons: 12

Mariah Carey only lasted one season american idol, after an alleged rivalry with colleague Nicki Minaj during her career. Mariah finally decided to leave at the end of Season 12, explaining at the time that she was focusing on her music career. Years later, she called the show “boring and fake” as well as “the worst experience of (her) life.”

“I’m not going to go into detail about what it was, but let’s just say I don’t assume they had any intention of us having a great experience doing that show. Pitting two women against each other was not cool,” she said in the Kyle and Jackie O gift.

She continued: “It should have worried the contestants instead of some non-existent rivalry that became even more ridiculous. Maybe I never want to worry about that again. But everyone else preferred it.

Nicki Minaj

Seasons: 12

Nicki Minaj left american idol at the same time Mariah, only appearing on the show for one season. At the time, she he said the show was a “life-changing experience,” but she was leaving to “work on music.” Although there was pressure between Nicki and Mariah during filming, she confirmed that she undoubtedly felt “shadowed” by Mariah from the beginning. In return, she “overcompensated” by looking crazier – which didn’t please Mariah.

Nicki later shared that she would return to the present for $30 million.

Keith town

Seasons: 12-15

Keith City joined american idol during season 12 and followed him through the show’s finale on Fox. When the series switched networks, an entirely new panel of judges was introduced, leaving Keith behind. He later returned as a mentor in the season 21 finale.

“I had fun casting and being on the show. Every season has been a blast for me, so to come back and mentor and perform the right way feels fantastic,” he said. billboard.

Harry Connick Jr.

Seasons: 13-15

signed contract Idol during the 13th season and also remained with the show until the end of its run on Fox. Although he was not on the jury when the show moved to ABC, he returned to the show in 2021.