All the Memories! A Look Back at the Past 'American Idol' Judges

American Idol

Paula Abdul was one the OGs! She sat in one of the judges' seats for eight seasons. The '80s star was known for her positive feedback, which didn't always make sense.

Randy Jackson was our main "dawg" for twelve seasons. He always sat in the first chair and reminisced about his time working with Whitney Houston and Madonna.

Simon Cowell was known for his blunt criticism and low-cut tee shirts. Cowell had tremendous success with the British version of American Idol, so he decided to start the show in the States and continued to make millions. He was a producer and lasted as a judge until 2011.

Record producer Kara DioGuardi, was added a fourth judge and lasted only two seasons. The mix of four opinions didn't set well with audiences, and Idol went back to three.

Talk show host and comedienne Ellen DeGeneres replaced Abdul and judged for one season. She brought the laughs but admitted she knew nothing about the music industry.

Rocker Steve Tyler and triple-threat Jennifer Lopez both joined for Season 10. Tyler lasted for two seasons, as did Lopez, but she also wound up returning for the final season.

Season 12 introduced Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj to the judging table. The two powerhouse women constantly made headlines for their bickering and the jabs they would take at each other on live TV!

And in Idol's last two seasons, Lopez returned along with Urban. Harry Connick Jr. was the last addition to the team. The only person to last all fifteen seasons was the show's host, Ryan Seacrest.

With the revival quickly approaching, ABC signed on Super Bowl halftime performer Katy Perry, and she's making an incredible $25 million salary. Perry has dipped her feet in previously as a guest judge on Season 9.

New to the table is country crooner Luke Bryan! He was just confirmed to star in the series' reboot as a judge. Bryan has several ACA awards, CMAs, and Billboard Music Awards.