Here’s my official ranking of every “American Idol” judge over the show’s 16-season history:
1. SIMON COWELL (2002-2010)
Unapologetic. Brutally honest. Dry sense of humor. Quite the character. In “Idol”’s glory days, Cowell made it must-watch TV. You never knew if and when he was going to destroy someone’s singing performance, especially during the Auditions. And when it became the live shows, Cowell’s opinions often translated into whether votes would pour-in for the singers.
2. RANDY JACKSON (2002-2013)
Yo!
Dude!
Dawg!
Check it out! Check it out!
You’re in the Dog Pound!
We got a hot one tonight!
He’s in it to win it, Ryan! He’s in it to win it!
He had some of the best catchphrases in the modern TV era and even survived the season with a certain disastrous duo (more on that later).
3. PAULA ABDUL (2002-2009)
The glue that held the original panel together. She was sensitive, but kind, with a winning smile.
4. LIONEL RICHIE (2018-)
I’ve been very impressed with how serious and motivated Richie has been during his inaugural season. He knows the business inside and out and always has a story or experience to back-up any emotion he or a contestant is feeling.
5. HARRY CONNICK, JR. (2014-2016)
The popular singer, actor and Emmy nominated talk show host was positioned as the Simon of his three seasons, always with firm, definitive opinions to the contestants.
6. KEITH URBAN (2013-2016)
A nice companion to Connick, Jr., the country superstar’s laid-back, but assertive vibe worked well during the show’s final few seasons on FOX.
7. LUKE BRYAN (2018-)
His personality shines through and he has had a positive presence on this season’s group of hopefuls, but I feel like he’s been a bit of a supporting player compared to Richie and their fellow judge…
8. KATY PERRY (2018-)
She’s getting paid a monstrous $25 million. I’ve always had a back-and-forth take on Perry. Her songs are some of the biggest hits of the decade. Her personal life has had its ups and downs. And you never quite know when she’s putting on an act or really being herself.
9. KARA DIOGUARDI (2009-2010)
When you decide to, randomly, change-up something that was going really well, chances are it’s going to be significantly worse. Dioguardi’s expertise was fine, but the personality meter rarely went above a 2.
10. JENNIFER LOPEZ (2011-2012, 2014-2016)
She’s one of the biggest names on the planet, but she really didn’t sparkle in this role.
11. STEVEN TYLER (2011-2012)
To be honest, I didn’t remember he was a judge until I read an official list online. That’s not good.
12. MOE SZYSLAK (2010)
Even though he only judged one contestant (with her rendition of “Happy Birthday”), Springfield’s top bartender was able to go toe-to-toe with Cowell, so I definitely give him points for that. (“Judge Me Tender” is still one of my all-time favorite “Simpsons” episodes.)
13. ELLEN DEGENERES (2010)
Yeah, that didn’t go so well.
14. (TIE) MARIAH CAREY & NICKI MINAJ (2013)
Yeah, that was even worse.