‘American Idol’ Fans Concerned About Randy Jackson as He Returns to Mentor
What To Know
- Randy Jackson appeared on American Idol as a guest mentor.
- Viewers expressed concern over his health based on his appearance during the mentor sessions.
- Jackson was previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and had gastric bypass surgery.
Randy Jackson returned to American Idol to serve as a guest mentor to the Season 24 Top 5 during the May 4 episode. Ahead of the contestants’ live performances this week, they got to meet with Jackson, who critiqued their rehearsals and gave them advice.
Viewers who saw footage from the meeting with Jackson found his appearance quite shocking. “Is Randy Jackson ok? Looks and sounds so weak,” one person wrote on X. Someone else agreed, adding, “Randy Jackson does not look well.”
Another person wrote, “Randy Jackson can’t even stand up, he’s so frail,” and someone else said, “I know Randy Jackson had gastric bypass but what is wrong with him to look so ill?” Another commenter added, “Randy Jackson looking really ill. It’s great seeing him again, but I am worried.”
There was also a Reddit thread about Jackson in the American Idol sub. “Sorry if I missed something about his health but it’s sad,” the original poster noted.
Jackson was previously diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2002. He lost over 100 pounds after having a gastric bypass surgery the following year. He also had spinal surgery for a back injury in 2019.
In fact, one of the Reddit commenters pointed out, “He’s on Name That Tune and I’ve been saying for years now he looks super sick.”
Jackson seemed excited to be back on the show and working with the Top 5, though. His fellow OG judge Paula Abdul was also part of the episode, serving as a guest judge with Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie.
It’s a pivotal point in the competition, as the three singers with the most votes will earn the chance to sing in the finale, while the bottom two will be eliminated at the end of the night.
American Idol, Season 24 Finale, Monday, May 11, 8/7c, ABC
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P
There is something else going on besides diabetes and gastric bypass surgery. It’s fine if he doesn’t want to disclose anything regarding his health; maybe just ask for prayers…
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R
Glad to see him on American Idol. He does look sick though, I wish him well.
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M
Randy does not look like he's going to be around too much longer.
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C
Randy will be FINE!
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A
Y'all are completely omitting he had a stroke in 2023.
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M
I read Randy has a degenerative nerve disease.
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M
I fact checked whether he has such a disease, but the rumor is based on Alan Jackson, who has Marie Charcot Tooth disease. But he truly does appear to have a degenerative neuro condition.
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J
Randy is hiding something. This isn't from a gastric bypass 23 years ago. He can hardly speak and lifting his hadn to his face like that...my Dad made that same movement when he was dying. There is something seriously wrong with him.
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J
Him and Ryan Seacrest must have the same glp1 doc.
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D
Randy Jackson looks very ill. The stomach bi-pass and the diet he is on after plus taking the vitamins suggested should of taken care of the diabetes. Sorry to say but he looks and sounds like he is on some heavy meds. Maybe for his back. I pray he is seeing the right doctors to help him. 🙏🙏
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D
Emaciated like a war prisoner. Really sad and not sure how anyone ends up in that condition. Reminds me of Karen Carpenter.