Twenty-one years ago, American Idol debuted with an electrifying panel of judges: Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell, alongside host Ryan Seacrest. Their mission was to discover the best amateur singing voices in the country and launch their careers.
Little did they know that American Idol would become a groundbreaking show filled with unforgettable moments. However, as the seasons progressed, the original judges eventually departed from the show, leaving fans wondering why. Let’s delve into the reasons behind their exits.
American Idol, based on the British competition show Pop Idol, premiered in 2002. The inaugural season featured Kelly Clarkson, who emerged as the winner and kick-started a highly successful music career.
Numerous other talented artists, such as Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, and Jordin Sparks, also gained recognition through American Idol. The show quickly became a powerhouse in the realm of reality competitions.
In a heartwarming reunion on Kelly Clarkson’s talk show in 2019, the original American Idol judges reunited, with Simon Cowell crediting Clarkson for the show’s success. He acknowledged that her participation had played a pivotal role in its enduring popularity and impact.
Why did Paula Abdul Leave American Idol?
Paula Abdul was the first of the original American Idol judges to leave the show. In 2009, just before the start of season 9 auditions, Abdul announced her departure.
Reports indicated that she and the show’s producers failed to reach a contractual agreement regarding her salary. Ellen DeGeneres ultimately replaced Abdul as a judge in season 9.
In a 2016 interview, Abdul expressed her reasons for leaving American Idol. She explained that after eight years on the show, she felt the need for change and new opportunities. Abdul wanted the freedom to pursue other ventures that her contract with The show did not allow.
Thus, she made the difficult decision to bid farewell to the show that had been a significant part of her life.
Why did Simon Cowell Leave American Idol?
Simon Cowell followed Abdul’s departure in 2010, choosing to focus on the American version of his competition show, The X Factor. His decision was influenced, in part, by his dissatisfaction with the age requirements imposed by the show.
Cowell found the notion that age could determine a person’s star potential obnoxious. Additionally, he confessed that he disliked the term “Idol.” Consequently, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez joined the judging panel in season 10.
Why did Randy Jackson Leave American Idol?
After season 12, Randy Jackson, the last remaining original judge, decided to leave the show. Jackson expressed his pride in being part of a show that discovered incredible artists and achieved historic success.
He felt it was the perfect time to embark on new endeavors, bidding farewell to his role as a judge.
Current Judges on American Idol
Since its revival on ABC in 2018, The show has undergone a transformation in terms of its judging panel. The current judges include Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, with Ryan Seacrest continuing his role as the show’s host.
This lineup has been well-received by audiences, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse expertise to the table. The current judges returned for Season 21, captivating audiences as they scouted talent across Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Nashville.
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