Paula Abdul | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

There have been 22 seasons of American Idol so far (including the one airing right now on ABC) and throughout those two decades, there have been 14 different people who have sat behind the judges table.

The longest reign in the judges chair is 12 seasons while three different judges only appeared on one season. We bet you totally forgot that some of these people were even on the show!

Another fun fact is that only three seasons of American Idol have had four judges while the other 17 seasons all had just three judges.

One thing that has remained constant throughout all 22 seasons is that Ryan Seacrest has been the host every single year. The first season he co-hosted with Brian Dunkleman and then he was a solo host for the remaining 19 seasons.

Browse through the slideshow to see who appeared on the show for the longest span of time…

Paula Abdul is speaking out via her legal team after the latest development in her lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe.

The “Straight Up” pop star and American Idol judge sued the TV producer in December 2023, accusing him of sexual assault and harassment.

At the time, he denied the claims in a statement. However, multiple other lawsuits have accused him of similar things. In early January, Nigel gave up his spot on the judging panel for So You Think You Can Dance.

On Tuesday (March 5), Nigel asked the courts to dismiss Paula‘s lawsuit. Court documents describe him as a “victim of Abdul’s appalling lies” and provided alleged text exchanges. It also alleged that the accusations had a “life-changing impact” on Nigel‘s life.

Paula responded via her legal team.

Keep reading to find out more…More Here! »

Now that Katy Perry has announced plans to leave American Idol behind, who do you want to see fill her seat at the judges table?

The 39-year-old “Firework” pop icon confirmed that she’d be stepping back from her position as a judge on the show after Idol‘s 22nd season airs. She’s held down a spot on the panel since 2018 when she signed on.

Katy leaving will create a gap that needs to be filled. Who should join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the panel?

We pulled together some of pop music’s biggest stars and want to see who you think has it in them to take over!

Head inside to vote in our poll for your dream American Idol judge…More Here! »

American Idol is one of the biggest shows on TV!

The singing reality TV series, which kicked off as Pop Idol in the U.K. before launching in America in 2012, has successfully sprung up all around the world with a bunch of international versions, boasting major superstars for judges.

After airing on Fox from 2002 to 2016 for 15 seasons, it was on hiatus for two years until 2018, when a revival of the series began on ABC, and it’s aired ever since.

Over the years, plenty of talent has judged and mentored the contestants all the way to the top. And one by one, all of them have eventually left the show to go on and do other things – even the last remaining original judge from the U.S. series.

We’ve rounded up all of the judges who have since departed from American Idol, along with the explanations they’ve given for why they left the show.

Scroll through to see every judge who left American Idol and why…

Paula Abdul saw Ariana Grande‘s new music video, and she has some thoughts.

On Friday (January 12), Ari jumpstarted a new era with the unveiling of her single “yes, and?” The accompanying music video followed, and it paid homage to Paula‘s 1989 “Cold Hearted” video.

Ariana‘s video features a similar plot and setting to the “Cold Hearted” visual. Even her costume seems to be somewhat inspired by Paula!

After taking in the tribute, Paula took to social media to share her thoughts.

Read Paula Abdul’s thoughts on the tribute and to see how the music videos compare…More Here! »

Nigel Lythgoe has issued his first formal statement after being accused of sexual assault and harassment by former colleague Paula Abdul.

On Friday (December 29), the 61-year-old “Straight Up” hitmaker and former American Idol judge sued the 74-year-old TV producer and accused him of improper behavior while they worked together.

Read Nigel Lythgoe’s response to Paula Abdul’s lawsuit…More Here! »

One of Nigel Lythgoe‘s old interviews is resurfacing after Paula Abdul accused him of sexual assault and harassment.

If you were unaware, the 61-year-old “Cold Hearted” pop star and American Idol alum sued the 74-year-old TV producer and accused him of sexual assault and verbal abuse while they worked together on American Idol.

The pair also worked together as judges on So You Think You Can Dance, and a joint interview they gave promoting the show in 2015 has resurfaced following her allegations.

Read more about the problematic resurfaced interview…More Here! »