American Idol 2016 sees Simon Cowell surprise Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul | Daily Mail Online He was not scheduled to appear on the programme that made him famous in the US. But Simon Cowell could not resist a reunion with his former co-stars. The 56-year-old judge surprised Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson the emotional finale of American Idol on Thursday night. See American Idol updates as Simon Cowell surprises Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul Reuinited: Simon Cowell joined former co-stars Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul in the emotional finale of American Idol on Thursday night The trio - who made up 'Idol's original judging panel - paid tribute to the reality TV show, which has ended after 15 seasons and reminisced on their time together as judges. Simon snuck up on Randy and Paula just as host Ryan Seacrest was announcing that he ‘can’t be with us tonight.’ The British television presenter's surprise definitely seemed to work as 41-year-old Ryan embraced Simon and could be heard saying, ‘I thought you were in London.’ Something's missing?

Originally it was only Paula and Randy who joined host Ryan Seacrest Surprise: Just as Ryan was announcing that Simon couldn't be there, the 56-year-old judge came from the back Shocked: Paula and Randy were happy to see him as Ryan curled over in shock Replacements: Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr gave the reunion a standing ovation As the others looked genuinely surprised to see him, Simon quickly teased his old adversary Paula, joking that it was a good opportunity ‘for Paula to apologize for being so mean to the contestants when we were trying to be nurturing, helpful. ‘You were really horrible and I think now is the time to apologize to America,’ he insisted, joking about his own reputation as TV's Mr Nasty. ‘Unbelievable,’ sighed Paula, in a short black dress and having just given Ryan a special America Idol sign as a memento.

‘I thought you were in London’: Ryan could be heard expressing his shock to Simon Some things never change: Simon cracked a joke on Paula as he always used to do Gratitude: On behalf of his fellow original judges Simon said: ‘Thank you America for inviting us into your homes’ Simon then turned serious, saying ‘thank you America for inviting us into your homes’ as well as Fox and all the contestants. Finally, he turned toward his fellow judges, Simon added, 'And to you guys for actually being my best friends now. Now, I'm going to miss you.' Randy replied: 'We love you man,' while Paula joked: 'This was an amazing journey. I know you love the word journey.' Eyes on the prize: Randy and Paula gifted Ryan the original American Idol neon sign Paula also praised the current panel of Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr, saying: 'You as a panel have been doing a wonderful jo, thank you,' Randy and Paula also recognised Ryan, who was the only on-air personality to appear on all 15 seasons of the show, as they presented him with a big white neon American Idol sign.

At the end of the segment, season three sensation William Hung came out as a surprise to perform Ricky Martin hit She Bangs. He bangs: Season three sensation William Hung came out as a surprise to sing Ricky Martin hit She Bangs Together again: Ryan was also reunited with his original co-host from season one: Brian Dunkleman It was definitely a night of reunions as Seacrest was joined by his season one co-host Brian Dunkleman. And they were not the only past stars to return for the episode which saw Trent Harmon beat La'Porsha Renae to be crowned the final American Idol champion. Highlights included Kelly Clarkson's medley of her hits, which the heavily pregnant singer pre-recorded, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia and Latoya London's joint performance, past winners Phillip Phillips, Lee DeWyze, David Cook, Nick Fradiani and Kris Allen reuniting for a David Bowie tribute and Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood's duet.

Living out a dream: Trent Harmon beat La'Porsha Renae to be crowned the final American Idol champion Grand finale: The reality singing competition concluded after 15 seasons as the show premiered in September 2002 Paula Abdul on Apple Music To preview a song, mouse over the title and click Play. Open iTunes to buy and download music. Biography In the wake of Madonna's success, many dance-pop divas filled the charts, but out of them all, Paula Abdul was the only one who sustained a career. The former L.A. Lakers cheerleader and choreographer scored her first hit in 1989, when "Straight Up" shot to Billboard's number one spot, becoming the first of four U.S. chart-toppers from her 1988 debut, Forever Your Girl; the others were "Forever Your Girl," "Cold Hearted," and "Opposites Attract," each earning a gold certification from the RIAA. This success laid the groundwork for her second act as a judge on American Idol, the televised singing competition that began in 2002 and kept Abdul in the spotlight throughout the decade.

Abdul began to make inroads in pop music when she was hired as an assistant dance director on the Jacksons' Victory tour, which led to a job choreographing Janet Jackson's videos for Control. Abdul's work on Jackson's videos helped make the album a hit, making her a sought-after choreographer. After working on The Tracy Ullman Show and videos for ZZ Top, Duran Duran, and the Pointer Sisters, Abdul began a recording career, releasing her debut album, Forever Your Girl, in 1988. The first two singles drawn from the record -- "Knocked Out" and "The Way That You Love Me" -- didn't crack the Top 40, but the release of "Straight Up" at the end of the year made her a superstar. Staying at the top of the charts for three weeks, "Straight Up" began a string of six number one singles (with "The Way That You Love Me" re-charting at number three in 1989) that ran through the summer of 1991.

The last two of those singles, "Rush Rush" and "The Promise of a New Day," both came from her second album, Spellbound (a remix collection called Shut Up and Dance bridged the gap between the two albums in 1990). Released in the summer of 1991, Spellbound wound up going triple platinum and it racked up three additional hits: "Blowing Kisses in the Wind," which peaked at number six, "Vibeology," and "Will You Marry Me?" After a three-year hiatus, Abdul released her third album, Head Over Heels, in the summer of 1995. Although it wound up going gold, its only Top 40 hit was "My Love Is for Real," and Abdul quietly retreated from singing, working in television and film; notably, she choreographed the cheerleading sequences in Sam Mendes' Acadamy Award-winning 1999 film, American Beauty. Abdul returned to music in 2000 as the co-author of "Spinning Around," a hit for Kylie Minogue. Debuting at the top of the charts in Australia and the U.K., the single effectively relaunched Minogue's career.

Abdul returned to the spotlight in 2002, when she became one of the three judges on American Idol. Cast as the voice of positivity next to the sour Simon Cowell and straight shooter Randy Jackson, Abdul's popularity surged. Apart from a hits collection called Greatest Hits: Straight Up!, an appearance on the Randy Jackson single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" in 2008, and her 2009 solo single "I'm Just Here for the Music," Abdul didn't release a full-length album during this decade. She left American Idol in 2009 but she didn't leave reality TV behind. In 2011, she was a mentor and coach on CBS' show Live to Dance and also reteamed with Cowell for a season of the American version of The X-Factor. Next up was a slot as a judge on an All-Star Dancing with the Stars and, in 2013, she moved over to So You Think You Can Dance, which was the gateway to appearing on the Australian version of that show later that year.

~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine Top Albums Randy Jackson | American Idol Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Keith Urban Randall Darius "Randy" Jackson (born June 23, 1956) is an American bassist, singer, record producer, entrepreneur and television personality. He is best known as a judge on American Idol and executive producer for MTV's America's Best Dance Crew. Jackson has won a Grammy Award as a producer. From 2002 to 2013, Jackson has been one of the panel judges on the Fox Network reality television series American Idol . Other judges accompanying him were Simon Cowell , Paula Abdul , Kara DioGuardi , Ellen DeGeneres , Mariah Carey , Nicki Minaj , and Keith Urban throughout the years. He later became the show's in-house mentor in season 13 . After the departures of Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen DeGeneres; on May 9, 2013 he announced he would not return for Season 13 of the show. From Season 1 to Season 7 , Jackson was accompanied by the original judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.

New fourth judge Kara DioGuardi joined the show in Season 8 , the last year Abdul would judge. Once Abdul left the show, new judge Kara DioGuardi stayed and brand new judge Ellen DeGeneres joined the show for Season 9 . DioGuardi, DeGeneres, and Cowell left the show after Season 9 leaving Jackson with the only filled judges spot for Season 10 . From Season 10 to Season 11 , Jackson was joined by new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler . They left in Season 11 and Jackson was yet again the only filled judges spot for Season 12 . Mariah Carey , Nicki Minaj , and Keith Urban joined him for his last season of the show. Jackson officially announced that he was leaving the show on November 11, 2014. Personal Life Edit Jackson was born on June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, His first marriage, to Elizabeth Jackson, was dissolved in 1990; they had one daughter named Taylor. In 1995, Jackson married Erika Riker, with whom he has two children, daughter Zoe and son Jordan.

The couple are now in the process of a divorce. In 2003, Jackson lost 114 pounds (52 kg) following gastric bypass s urgery. He stated in a February 2008 television commercial that he has type 2 diabetes. Music Career Edit While living in the San Francisco bay area, Jackson played in bands with Carlos Santana and Jerry Garcia. From 1986 to 1987 he was a member of the rock group Journey. Jackson joined Journey for their 1986 album Raised on Radio and subsequent tour. He moved to Italy in the late 1980s and played on a record by Italian pop star Zucchero. The record, Zucchero and the Randy Jackson Band, was produced by Corrado Rustici who played guitar with Jackson on many albums in the early 80's. In 1985, Keith Richards was asked to provide music for the Whoopi Goldberg comedy vehicle "Jumpin' Jack Flash." Richards assembled an all-star band which included Aretha Franklin on piano and lead vocals and Jackson on bass guitar.

This song was the fourth track on Aretha's 1986 album titled "Aretha." Jackson can be seen in the song's video. Jackson was the bass guitarist on the 1991 self-titled Divinyls album (which features the song "I Touch Myself") as well as featured bassist on several tracks of Tracy Chapman's 1992 release, Matters of the Heart. He performed on the singles "Bang Bang Bang", "Open Arms", and "Dreaming on a World".

That same year, Jackson also played bass on Bruce Springsteen's hit "Human Touch." Jackson has recorded, produced, or toured with many well-known artists and bands, ranging from Mariah Carey (he has been her musical director for a number of her tours; he was in her band at Live 8 in London in 2005) to *NSYNC, Whitney Houston, (produced) Dionne Farris' (critically acclaimed debut CD, Wild-Seed Wild-Flower), Céline Dion, Fergie (dating back to her days in Wild Orchid), Stryper, Whitesnake (he took over when former bassist broke his arm for a couple shows in the late 80s), and Madonna (he played some bass on her album "Like a Prayer" although not on the single of the same name). Jackson played numerous times in Jean-Luc Ponty's backing band.

His credits as a session musician range from playing with Blue Öyster Cult, Bon Jovi, Michael Bolton, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Billy Cobham, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Ernie Isley, Billy Joel, Journey, Richard Marx, George Michael, Stevie Nicks, Bruce Springsteen and Roger Waters to playing at the Grand Ole Opry with The Charlie Daniels Band. His production/songwriting work in the San Francisco Bay Area with Narada Michael Walden and Walter Afanasieff led Jackson to be in demand as a producer as well. On March 11, 2008, Jackson released an album produced entirely by himself, titled Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1. The album's release was preceded by the single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" sung by Paula Abdul . Jackson is the manager for the Charlotte, North Carolina based band Papertongues. The band, with the help of Jackson, signed with a major label, A&M's Octone. He has also worked as an executive, spending eight years as vice president of artists and repertoire (A&R) at Columbia Records and four years heading A&R at MCA Records.

America's Best Dance Crew Edit Jackson produces America's Best Dance Crew , an American group dance competition and reality television show, which premiered on February 7, 2008 on MTV and is scheduled to return for its sixth season in April 2011. Each week, the teams showcase their creative talents in choreography and their dance skills, and one crew is eliminated by the judges. The competition continues until the sole winning dance crew is awarded the title of America's Best Dance Crew, and a cash prize of $100,000. Jackson admitted to using the show as a platform for his banner-making company. The show was cancelled in 2012 due to low ratings but was brought back by MTV for an eighth season on January 10, 2015. The new season will premiere on July 29, 2015 and will consist of six episodes. Paula Abdul | New Music And Songs | Paula Abdul About Paula Abdul In the wake of Madonna's success, many dance-pop divas filled the charts, but out of them all, Paula Abdul was the only one who sustained a career. The former L.A.

Lakers cheerleader and choreographer scored her first hit in 1989, when "Straight Up" shot to Billboard's number one spot, becoming the first of four U.S. chart-toppers from her 1988 debut, Forever Your Girl; the others were "Forever Your Girl," "Cold Hearted," and "Opposites Attract," each earning a gold certification from the RIAA. This success laid the groundwork for her second act as a judge on American Idol, the televised singing competition that began in 2002 and kept Abdul in the spotlight throughout the decade. Abdul began to make inroads in pop music when she was hired as an assistant dance director on the Jacksons' Victory tour, which led to a job choreographing Janet Jackson's videos for Control. Abdul's work on Jackson's videos helped make the album a hit, making her a sought-after choreographer. After working on The Tracy Ullman Show and videos for ZZ Top, Duran Duran, and the Pointer Sisters, Abdul began a recording career, releasing her debut album, Forever Your Girl, in 1988.

The first two singles drawn from the record -- "Knocked Out" and "The Way That You Love Me" -- didn't crack the Top 40, but the release of "Straight Up" at the end of the year made her a superstar. Staying at the top of the charts for three weeks, "Straight Up" began a string of six number one singles (with "The Way That You Love Me" re-charting at number three in 1989) that ran through the summer of 1991. The last two of those singles, "Rush Rush" and "The Promise of a New Day," both came from her second album, Spellbound (a remix collection called Shut Up and Dance bridged the gap between the two albums in 1990). Released in the summer of 1991, Spellbound wound up going triple platinum and it racked up three additional hits: "Blowing Kisses in the Wind," which peaked at number six, "Vibeology," and "Will You Marry Me?" After a three-year hiatus, Abdul released her third album, Head Over Heels, in the summer of 1995.

Although it wound up going gold, its only Top 40 hit was "My Love Is for Real," and Abdul quietly retreated from singing, working in television and film; notably, she choreographed the cheerleading sequences in Sam Mendes' Acadamy Award-winning 1999 film, American Beauty. Abdul returned to music in 2000 as the co-author of "Spinning Around," a hit for Kylie Minogue. Debuting at the top of the charts in Australia and the U.K., the single effectively relaunched Minogue's career. Abdul returned to the spotlight in 2002, when she became one of the three judges on American Idol. Cast as the voice of positivity next to the sour Simon Cowell and straight shooter Randy Jackson, Abdul's popularity surged. Apart from a hits collection called Greatest Hits: Straight Up!, an appearance on the Randy Jackson single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" in 2008, and her 2009 solo single "I'm Just Here for the Music," Abdul didn't release a full-length album during this decade. She left American Idol in 2009 but she didn't leave reality TV behind.

In 2011, she was a mentor and coach on CBS' show Live to Dance and also reteamed with Cowell for a season of the American version of The X-Factor. Next up was a slot as a judge on an All-Star Dancing with the Stars and, in 2013, she moved over to So You Think You Can Dance, which was the gateway to appearing on the Australian version of that show later that year. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi FLASHBACK: The 'American Idol' Judges Whose Guidance and Bickering Made the Show Must-See TV FLASHBACK: The 'American Idol' Judges Whose Guidance and Bickering Made the Show Must-See TV by Raphael Chestang 3:49 PM PDT, April 07, 2016 Playing FLASHBACK: The 'American Idol' Judges Whose Guidance and Bickering Made the Show Must-See TV ET is revisiting some of the best and worst moments the American Idol judges have had over the course of 15 memorable seasons.

During the show's tremendous run, there were many times when the judges snagged bigger headlines than the contestants -- and the original judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson -- even had some fun on ET. "I'm in the position most women, in fact all women, would envy," Abdul told ET in 2004 from her comfy position sandwiched in between Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson under the bed sheets. In 2002, Cowell explained his straight-talking demeanor with less-than-stellar Idol hopefuls. "We're always being told off by the producers: 'You can't say this. You can't say that,'" Cowell shared. "I said, 'Fine. Go hire some robots.'" Abdul's sometimes-ditzy side garnered attention on the show as well, but she definitely raised the most eyebrows when she thought a contestant gave multiple performances during one taping in 2008. Shortly after the mishap, host Ryan Seacrest came to Abdul's defense, saying, "The rumors: they're not true.

She's part of our family, and we love her, so a round of applause for Paula." After Paula left the show in 2009, reportedly due to a dispute over money, there was a revolving door of judges. NEWS: 'American Idol' Alumni Can't Stop Sharing Pics Ahead of the Big Finale and We Love It! Ellen DeGeneres joined the show in 2010, but only stayed for one season, calling the experience "one of the worst decisions" she had made in her career. When Cowell also left to tend to The X Factor, the vacancies at the judges' panel were filled by Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. While the judges didn't always agree, they nevertheless remained respectful and loving, though the 2013 crew seemed to experience a major rift between judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. "If she calls me something that begins with a 'B' and ends with an 'itch,' I rebuke it," Carey said during one round of auditions. With the squabbles came a dip in ratings until Lopez made her return the following season. In 2011, Lopez told us saying goodbye to contestants was the most difficult part about judging.

WATCH: La'Porsha Renae and Trent Harmon Bring 'American Idol' Judges to Tears "I really do see myself in them," J.Lo said at the time. "I really do know what they're going through and it hurts." One last contestant will be dismissed Thursday when the series finale airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox. Connick, Lopez added to 'Idol' judges' team FacebookEmail Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest Connick, Lopez added to 'Idol' judges' team 'American Idol's' new judging panel will have a familiar look to it. Jennifer, a former judge, and former mentor Harry Connick Jr. will join Keith Urban, the lone judging holdover from Season 12. Post to Facebook Connick, Lopez added to 'Idol' judges' team 'American Idol's' new judging panel will have a familiar look to it. Jennifer, a former judge, and former mentor Harry Connick Jr. will join Keith Urban, the lone judging holdover from Season 12. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

2 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Connick, Lopez added to 'Idol' judges' team 'American Idol' judges: From Paula to Harry 2002 Randy Jackson Paula Abdul The back story: When Idol premiered in the summer of 2002, fans were as obsessed with the judges as with eventual finalists Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. The show served as a comeback vehicle for cheerleader-turned-pop-star Abdul. It also unleashed Britain's tight-T-shirt-loving, snark-spewing Cowell upon an unsuspecting American populace. (He'd been a talent scout and producer before, helping to make Pop Idol a hit in his homeland.) Producers brought in veteran bassist/producer Jackson to balance out Abdul's fawning praise and Cowell's biting criticism. Season 8 Paula Abdul Kara DioGuardi The back story: The show brought in a fourth judge, singer/songwriter, producer and publisher DioGuardi, who had worked with Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. According to DioGuardi, she was left to tell Paula Abdul that the show was adding another female judge, which didn't go over well.

Things didn't get much better for the new kid, who felt like an intruder among the original panelists. When Abdul's contract ended that year, she and the producers could not agree on new terms and she announced her exit. Season 9 Kara DioGuardi Ellen DeGeneres The back story: Exit Paula, enter Ellen. DeGeneres didn't have a musical background, but she was a fan and she liked to dance on her popular daytime talk show. Apparently, that was good enough for the Idol producers. After one season, she and the show determined it wasn't a good fit, and she went back to her day job. Meanwhile, Cowell had one foot out the door, having announced he would be leaving after Season 9 to import The X Factor. And as it turned out, viewers also saw the last of Kara DioGuardi in the finale -- and granted, they saw a lot of her -- when she stripped down to a bikini onstage. Over the summer, she was given her walking papers. Seasons 10-11 Jennifer Lopez Steven Tyler The back story: Aerosmith frontman Tyler brought back the non sequiturs and semi-comprehensible paeans that had been missing since the departure of Paula Abdul.

But neither he nor actress/singer/dancer Lopez seemed willing to dish out the sometimes harsh but usually specific criticism that Simon Cowell used to supply. The pair stuck around for two seasons before racing to announce their departures over the summer. Tyler went first on July 12, followed by J.Lo the very next day. Season 12 Keith Urban Nicki Minaj The back story: So many female Idol contestants have dreamed of being the next Mariah Carey that putting the genuine article on the panel seemed all but inevitable. She already had one old friend on the show: Jackson, with whom she'd worked extensively. The producers also added country star Urban and rapper/singer/songwriter Minaj. At most publicity events leading up to the new season, the male judges had been placed strategically between the two divas, who were already having colorful exchanges. Season 13 Jennifer Lopez Harry Connick Jr. The back story: After a year with four judges, the show will revert to the three-panelist form of its heyday. On Sept. 3, Fox announced it would bring back Lopez and add singer/pianist/composer/actor Connick.

Randy Jackson, who left the judges table after the 2013 season, will replace Jimmy Iovine as the show's in-house mentor. Bill Keveney, USA TODAY Published 10:00 a.m. ET Sept. 3, 2013 | Updated 2:43 p.m. ET Sept. 3, 2013 After a year with four judges, "Idol" will go back to the traditional three-member panel. Jennifer Lopez is returning to judge Fox's 'American Idol' after a one-year absence. (Photo: Slaven Vlasic, Getty Images) Story Highlights The new judges are part of a larger Season 13 overhaul for the longtime Fox hit Country star Keith Urban is the sole judge remaining from Season 12 Viewer numbers have dropped more than 20% in each of the past two seasons American Idol's new judging panel will have a familiar look to it. Jennifer Lopez, a judge during Seasons 10 and 11, and former mentor Harry Connick Jr. will join country star Keith Urban, the lone judging holdover from the most recent season of Fox's fading singing competition, which ended in May.

After a year with four judges, the show will revert to the three-panelist format of its heyday. The network Tuesday announced the signings of singer-actress Lopez, a popular former judge, and Connick, a singer, pianist, composer and actor whose Idol mentoring appearances have been well received. Other familiar faces will return, too. Original judge Randy Jackson, who left the panel in May, will be back as an in-house mentor, replacing Jimmy Iovine, and Ryan Seacrest continues as host. "I have always been a huge fan of American Idol and really enjoyed my time as a mentor on the show," Connick said in a statement. "And I am honored that they've asked me to be a judge this season.

As an entertainer, I am truly excited to bring my perspective to American Idol and to help emerging performers to find their way." Lopez simply tweeted: "IDOL2014TheRemix." Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly praised the new panel in a statement accompanying the announcement: "American Idol has always been about discovering the next singing superstar, and next season our judging panel will deliver a most impressive combination of talent, wisdom and personality to do just that: Jennifer Lopez, the triple-threat global superstar who loves Idol and whom Idol fans love; Harry Connick Jr., a bona fide musical genius and fantastic Idol mentor whose honesty and expertise can help turn these hopefuls into stars; (and) Keith Urban, a multi-Grammy-winning artist who was such a positive force on the show last season." (Photo: Frank Micelotta, AP) Idol enjoyed a ratings spike when Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler joined original judge Randy Jackson in 2011, a rare feat for a series in its 10th season. However, viewership dropped more than 20% in Season 11.

And when Lopez and Tyler left after that year, ratings plunged more than 20% again in Season 12, which featured Jackson along with first-time judges Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. Many complained about the group's lack of chemistry, especially between sniping Minaj and Carey. All but Urban left the panel after the season ended. Behind the camera, there was an overhaul, too. Fox reality chief Mike Darnell exited, and former Fox Sports chief David Hill now is at least temporarily overseeing the show. Longtime executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick are out, and Per Blankens, who has been in charge of Idol's Swedish edition, has assumed that title. Idol has had its greatest success with a three-judge format. The first, longest-running and most successful panel included Jackson, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. But the show's declining audiences may have been hastened by newer competition from NBC's The Voice, and to a lesser extent Fox's own The X Factor, featuring former Idol judge Simon Cowell. Both return this month. Idol has been conducting auditions for Season 13 this summer, with recent stops in Boston, Austin and Omaha.

The show's judges begin evaluating a select group of contestants Tuesday, prompting the last-minute announcement. Season 13 will premiere as usual in January. 240 CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN 2 COMMENTEMAILMORE Read or Share this story: NEVER MISS OUT Life Be a pop culture maven. Get the news, reviews and the juiciest celebrity stories that keep you in the know, Monday-Friday. When Simon Cowell became the guy everyone loved to hate - LA Times When Simon Cowell became the guy everyone loved to hate 'American Idol' premiere Original "American Idol" judges Randy Jackson, left, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. Original "American Idol" judges Randy Jackson, left, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. (J. Viles / Fox) Susan King In 2002, Times reporter Susan King interviewed "American Idol" personnel, including producer and then-judge Simon Cowell about the show, its critics and its singular brand of criticism. BMG Records executive Simon Cowell became the guy everyone loved to hate last year as the acerbic judge on the successful British TV series "Pop Idol." And now the Englishman will be offering up critical barbs on the U.S.

version of the unscripted series "American Idol: The Search for a Superstar," premiering Tuesday on Fox. During one of the auditions, for example, he tells a young hopeful that she should hire a lawyer so she can sue her vocal coach. Cowell says he's just trying to give the contestants, ages 16-24, "constructive" criticism. (Robert Hilburn) "I am not there to stop someone from chasing their dream," he says. "If they believe they are great, good luck to them. But if they come to our audition and they want to be told the truth, they will be told." More than 10,000 singers have auditioned for "American Idol" at talent searches held in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Dallas and Miami. Besides Cowell, the judges include singer Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, a Grammy Award-winning music industry veteran and former executive at MCA Records. KYSR-FM (98.7) afternoon DJ Ryan Seacrest and comic actor Brian Dunkleman are the hosts. Following the two-part premiere, viewers will determine each week whether constants advance to the next round by casting their votes via phone.

The winner will receive a recording contract with RCA. Cowell has found that contestants are a bit more aggressive here than in England. Though he was once threatened by a rejected contestant in the U.K., he admits he almost got beaten up after the New York audition by three participants who were angered by his comments. "I wouldn't do the show without security," he says. "I have spent a fortune on my teeth, and I intend to keep them." His outspoken opinions have also irked the other judges. "Randy has already offered to beat me up," Cowell says gleefully. "Paula has threatened to walk off because of my attitude. I think Paula's problem is that there is a lot of sexual tension between the two of us. I felt it on the first day I met her." Seacrest and Dunkleman provide moral support for the hopefuls. "We are not, obviously, here to judge the talent or give them the nod to go on the next level," says Seacrest. "We are there to hang out, ask them how they are feeling, talk about their nerves and really be their friends.

Both Brian and I have had the opportunity to have some wonderfully energetic and exciting moments and, at the same time, some very difficult moments when the kids didn't have what it takes and they were destroyed, their hearts were broken." Co-executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who also did the British version, says "American Idol" is not a retread of two other recent series about music hopefuls, WB's "Popstars" and ABC's "Making the Band." (Gerrick D. Kennedy) "With 'Popstars' and 'Making the Band,' you have to constantly think, 'Will this person fit into a band?' " Lythgoe says. "Here you are looking for an outstanding individual. The second thing is that at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what the judges think because once the top 30 contestants are there, the public takes over and the public decides on the top 10.

Then each week, the public knocks one of them out." Lythgoe maintains that "American Idol" is less a talent show and more a slice of human drama, "like the kid who turned up and said to the judges, 'Both my parents are deaf and they'll never hear me sing.' And he sang 'When I Fall in Love' and signed it at the same time. It was just beautiful." There have also been numerous humorous incidents, especially revolving around contestants lying about their age during the audition process. "We had one guy who was 53 telling me he was 23," Lythgoe says. "I said, 'I don't think so.' " MORE: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nigel Lythgoe Reflect on American Idol Ending Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nigel Lythgoe Reflect on American Idol Ending Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nigel Lythgoe Reflect on American Idol Ending More UPDATE: Fellow former judge Paula Abdul and ex-Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe have weighed in on the show's imminent ending, too. In a statement to Extra , Abdul said she was "fortunate" to have been one of the original judges but noted that the series changed after she left.

"I left the show at the top. After I left, my presence, it felt different, and then a year later Simon left, and it feels different, and many years later Randy left," she told the site. "But the judges are fantastic, they're brilliant at what they do and they're fun to watch. The chemistry between J.Lo and Harry and Keith, they're wonderful, but I think that [at] a certain point maybe everything comes to a close. Maybe it's run its course, but it's a show that changed people's lives, changed my life too. Really legitimate super stars came out of the show, and people's dreams have come true and they’re living it." Lythgoe, for his part, praised the show as "socially impactful" and compared it to a "prize fighter" who gave "knockout blows." He also said he hoped for a return to form, telling Extra, "They've stated they're going to do this incredible American Idol experience across the year, so I'm hoping they're gonna bring back the judges, I'm hoping they’re gonna bring back together all the American Idols and I'm hoping they’re gonna re-instate the executive producers." ORIGINAL STORY: Changed his tune!

Simon Cowell was notoriously sour as one of the three inaugural judges of American Idol, but as news of the show's ending broke on Monday, May 11, he looked back fondly. Cowell, 55, took to Twitter on Monday evening to weigh in after Fox announced that Idol's upcoming 15th season will be its last. The British reality star sat behind the desk on the competition show for nine seasons, kicking off his run in 2002 alongside Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. PHOTOS: American Idol Judges: Then & Now "Looking back at my time on American Idol we had a great time," Cowell wrote. "We found great artists. Had fun. And to America. Thank you. It was a blast." When he left the show in 2010, Cowell found a new home in The X Factor's judging table. He helped bring the UK series stateside just one year after One Direction was formed on the British iteration. PHOTOS: American Idol's Most Shocking Eliminations Ever! Jackson, 58, who had the longest run of the three original judges, also gave his two cents on the end of American Idol. "One of greatest talent shows ever.

Gave us all huge careers and birthed sooooo many stars of today. #idol," he tweeted . "Many have tried to imitate it but there will never be anything like #idol Thanks fans & talent Yall made it possible. Lets b bout the future." PHOTOS: Amazing American Idol Makeovers! The future of Idol lies in one final to-be-determined winner, who will follow in the footsteps of past champions including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and Phillip Phillips. The 15th and last season of the long-running show will kick off in January 2016, promising to "pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their Idols." Reblog Paula Abdul Biography, Paula Abdul Music, Paula Abdul News, Paula Abdul Photos and more - KeepVid Music Artist NEWS In the wake of Madonna's success, many dance-pop divas filled the charts, but out of them all, Paula Abdul was the only one who sustained a career. The former L.A.

Lakers cheerleader and choreographer scored her first hit in 1989, when "Straight Up" shot to Billboard's number one spot, becoming the first of four U.S. chart-toppers from her 1988 debut, Forever Your Girl; the others were "Forever Your Girl," "Cold Hearted," and "Opposites Attract," each earning a gold certification from the RIAA. This success laid the groundwork for her second act as a judge on American Idol, the televised singing competition that began in 2002 and kept Abdul in the spotlight throughout the decade. Abdul began to make inroads in pop music when she was hired as an assistant dance director on the Jacksons' Victory tour, which led to a job choreographing Janet Jackson's videos for Control. Abdul's work on Jackson's videos helped make the album a hit, making her a sought-after choreographer. After working on The Tracy Ullman Show and videos for ZZ Top, Duran Duran, and the Pointer Sisters, Abdul began a recording career, releasing her debut album, Forever Your Girl, in 1988.

The first two singles drawn from the record -- "Knocked Out" and "The Way That You Love Me" -- didn't crack the Top 40, but the release of "Straight Up" at the end of the year made her a superstar. Staying at the top of the charts for three weeks, "Straight Up" began a string of six number one singles (with "The Way That You Love Me" re-charting at number three in 1989) that ran through the summer of 1991. The last two of those singles, "Rush Rush" and "The Promise of a New Day," both came from her second album, Spellbound (a remix collection called Shut Up and Dance bridged the gap between the two albums in 1990). Released in the summer of 1991, Spellbound wound up going triple platinum and it racked up three additional hits: "Blowing Kisses in the Wind," which peaked at number six, "Vibeology," and "Will You Marry Me?" After a three-year hiatus, Abdul released her third album, Head Over Heels, in the summer of 1995.

Although it wound up going gold, its only Top 40 hit was "My Love Is for Real," and Abdul quietly retreated from singing, working in television and film; notably, she choreographed the cheerleading sequences in Sam Mendes' Acadamy Award-winning 1999 film, American Beauty. Abdul returned to music in 2000 as the co-author of "Spinning Around," a hit for Kylie Minogue. Debuting at the top of the charts in Australia and the U.K., the single effectively relaunched Minogue's career. Abdul returned to the spotlight in 2002, when she became one of the three judges on American Idol. Cast as the voice of positivity next to the sour Simon Cowell and straight shooter Randy Jackson, Abdul's popularity surged. Apart from a hits collection called Greatest Hits: Straight Up!, an appearance on the Randy Jackson single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" in 2008, and her 2009 solo single "I'm Just Here for the Music," Abdul didn't release a full-length album during this decade. She left American Idol in 2009 but she didn't leave reality TV behind.

In 2011, she was a mentor and coach on CBS' show Live to Dance and also reteamed with Cowell for a season of the American version of The X-Factor. Next up was a slot as a judge on an All-Star Dancing with the Stars and, in 2013, she moved over to So You Think You Can Dance, which was the gateway to appearing on the Australian version of that show later that year. Paula Julie Abdul (/bdul/; born June 19, 1962) is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, choreographer, actress and television personality. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. She began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at the age of 18 before rising to prominence in the 1980s as a highly sought-after choreographer at the height of the music video era. Abdul later scored a string of pop music hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her six number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 tie her with Diana Ross for seventh among the female solo performers who have topped the chart.

She won a Grammy for "Best Music Video Short Form" for "Opposites Attract" and twice won the "Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography".nAfter her initial period of success, Abdul suffered a series of setbacks in her professional and personal life. She saw renewed fame and success as an original judge on American Idol in the 2000s, which she left after the eighth season. She went on to star on CBS's short-lived television series Live to Dance, which lasted one season in 2011, and was subsequently a judge on the first season of the American version of The X Factor along with her former American Idol co-judge Simon Cowell, the creator and producer of the show. She was also a guest judge on the All-Stars edition of Dancing with the Stars in 2012 and the tenth season of So You Think You Can Dance in 2013, and more recently became a permanent judge for that series along with the Australian version of the show for its 2014 revival.

Paula Abdul | Biography and Filmography | 1962 Served as judge, executive producer, mentor and coach on CBS' dancing competition, "Live to Dance" 2011 Re-teamed with Simon Cowell as a judge on the American version of "The X-Factor" 2009 Appeared in several episodes of the Lifetime series, "Drop Dead Diva" 2009 Debuted "I'm Just Here for the Music" on the Ryan Seacrest Radio show; also performed the song on the "American Idol" (Fox) results show 2008 Released first single in over 10 years, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow"; song debuted on "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" 2007 Co-produced and starred in the reality series "Hey Paula" for the Bravo network 2005 Joined Fox's reality show "So You Think You Can Dance" as a correspondent 2002 Became a correspondent for "Entertainment Tonight" (CBS) 2002 Appeared with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson as judges on the reality competition "American Idol" (Fox); announced she was leaving the show before the start of the

 ninth season 1999 Cast in the NBC television movie, "Mr.

Rock and Roll: The Alan Freed Story" 1997 Starred in the ABC television movie, "Touched By Evil" 1995 After taking a few years off for personal issues, she released Head Over Heels, her third studio album 1991 Released the album Spellbound; the single "Rush Rush" was an instant hit 1990 Released a remix album titled, Shut Up And Dance, which became the top-selling remix album in history 1988 Released her debut album, Forever Your Girl; the single "Straight Up" became Paula's first No.

1 hit 1987 Signed a deal with Virgin records 1986 Choreographed four of Janet Jackson's videos from her Control album, including "Nasty" and "What Have You Done for Me Lately?" 1984 Discovered by the Jacksons while dancing at a Laker game; hired as an assistant dance director on The Jackson's Victory Tour 1982 Left college to join the Los Angeles Lakers' cheerleading squad, known as the Laker Girls; promoted to choreographer within a few months 1981 Made film debut at age 15 in "Junior High School" Began choreographing for such movies as "Bull Durham," "The Running Man," "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Coming to America" Offered a dance scholarship at the Julliard school for performing arts in New York City; turned it down to stay closer to home Started her own dance company, Company Dance, and showcased dance competitions throughout the US Popular songs include "Straight Up" and "Rush Rush". Won an Emmy Award for choreographing "The Tracy Ullman Show" Known for such albums as "Forever Your Girl" and "Spellbound"

Question: Between 2002 and 2008, where were Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul the judges?
Answer: American Idol