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When people win American Idol, they often do what they can to cash in on their popularity. While winners in recent years have mostly disappeared, the winners from the original run of the series had a lot of success. However, there was one winner from the original show’s run who almost never made appearances.

With that said, he has shown back up and surprised long-time fans, many of whom were excited to see him again. Here is what you need to know.

Former American Idol Alum Shows Up On The Kelly Clarkson Show

Lee DeWyze won American Idol in Season 9. That season saw four judges involved, including Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson, and Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen had replaced Paula Abdul. This was also Cowell’s final season to judge the hit reality competition series.

Lee DeWyze

Lee DeWyze ended up winning the season. In the finals, he sang “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel,...

American Idol just announced that a preview special of the new season will air directly after one of the biggest awards show. American Idol season 23 will have the very first shakeup on the judging panel in the ABC era. Carrie Underwood is replacing Katy Perry, who sat alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for the past seven seasons. While the judges have been a stable force on Idol in recent seasons, the contestants themselves haven't found much success in the music industry. For example, Noah Thompson was dropped by his record label not long after releasing an EP.

According to THR, a half-hour American Idol special is scheduled to air March 2 at 10:30 p.m. Est/7:30 p.m. Pst on ABC, following the Oscars. The special works as a teaser for American Idol season 23, which doesn't launch until March 9. The Academy Awards is set to start at 7 p.m.

Another Season of American Idol has come and gone. Season 22 crowned winner Abi Carter Sunday night, and judge Katy Perry bid the show farewell. Perry sat at the judges’ panel for seven seasons alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Following 15 seasons on Fox, ABC revived the singing competition series in 2018. The show began in June 2002, and it launched careers of musicians like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and more. A different trio of judges — Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul — helmed the show at the start alongside host Ryan Seacrest — who has shepherded the show through all of its changes.

ABC has not yet announced who will replace Perry as a judge and join the ranks of past and present celebrity judges. Below, find a list of all the judges in American Idol history.

Photo By: Priscilla Grant/Everett Collection

Simon Cowell

Known for his blunt critiques and brutal honestly,...

Your browser does not support the video tag. You won't believe how much these American Idol judges are worth - from $20 million to $600 million. Katy Perry confirmed she's leaving after Season 22, with Carrie Underwood taking over in 2025 for Season 23 of American Idol Jennifer Lopez and Simon Cowell are among the richest judges in American Idol history, with net worths reaching $500-600 million.

When the now-iconic singing competition show American Idol premiered in 2002, no one expect it would become such a big hit. So far, the popular show has had 21 seasons (now on its 22nd season), and considering that it has been on for over two decades, it doesnt come as a surprise that the judges have changed throughout the seasons.

Todays list takes a look at all the American Idol judges, and it ranks them according to their current net worth. From divas such as Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez...

Rhonetta Johnson's memorable bad audition on American Idol, targeting Paula Abdul. Danny Noriega and Adam Lambert experienced mistreatment due to their perceived identities on the show. Katrina Darrell's bikini audition led to a humiliating experience for judge Kara DioGuardi.

American Idol has been on the air for a long time and attracts millions of viewers. Those viewers once tuned in to see the magical chemistry between judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. They tuned in to see extremely talented singers achieve their dreams. They also tuned in to laugh at the comedy of truly awful auditions.

Over the years, American Idol has highlighted some bad auditions that have always been used for comedic purposes.

One such contestant was Rhonetta Johnson, who auditioned in the show's fifth season. However, while her bad singing was noticeable, it was her rant at the end that became the most memorable.

American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after a successful career in music and acting. Fantasia recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of her American Idol win. This huge honor comes after Fantasia starred in a big screen adaptation of The Color Purple musical.

American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino is about to receive a major honor: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fantasia launched her career after competing in American Idol season 3 back in 2004. She recently stopped by American Idol season 22 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her win. Ever since that emotional coronation, she has had a very successful career, including releasing multiple albums, playing herself in a Lifetime movie about her life, and starring in The Color Purple on Broadway and the big screen.

A new group of celebrities was just announced as the latest Hollywood Walk of Fame recipients,...

Mandisa's died from "complications of class III obesity," as revealed in a recent autopsy report. Mandisa competed in American Idol season 5. After her eliminated, she had a successful music career and won a Grammy. The singer died at the age of 47 on April 18, 2024.

After American Idol alum Mandisa's tragic passing in April 2024, an autopy report has finally revealed her cause of death. Mandisa first landed on the national stage after competing in American Idol season 5, alongside other talented finalists like Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler. While she was eliminated in ninth place, Mandisa went on to have a very successful music career and won a Grammy. Unfortunately, the singer died at the age of 47 on April 18, 2024.

An autopsy has now been conducted, and her cause of death has been made available to the public via TMZ. The results of the investigation showed that Mandisa died...

Ryan Seacrest hinted at Katy Perry's replacement on American Idol while talking about Jelly Roll being a guest mentor earlier this season. Jelly Roll and Meghan Trainor might be under consideration as potential judges for American Idol. Despite speculation about Jennifer Lopez or Taylor Swift joining, Meghan Trainor might be the top choice among the group of guest mentors.

Katy Perry is leaving American Idol in less than a week, but host Ryan Seacrest just hinted that he might know who her replacement is. Katy has been a judge alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie ever since ABC revived American Idol in 2018. They are tied with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson for the longest-serving Idol judging panel, though the three original judges were together for an eighth season but with Kara DioGuardi added to the group.

Ryan Seacrest teased what he knows about Katy Perry's American Idol replacement.

Katy Perry announced that she's leaving her position as an American Idol judge after season 22. Several female celebrities could take Katy Perry's place alongside fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Although Katy will be greatly missed, there are many superstars with American Idol experience who'd be right for the job.

American Idol judge Katy Perry has announced that season 22 will be her last one with the show, and, although she's irreplaceable, there are some celebrities who should take her seat at the judging table alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Katy, Lionel, and Luke have been American Idol judges for seven years, ever since ABC revived the reality singing competition in 2018. Fox canceled the show after 15 seasons in 2016.

On the February 12, 2024 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Katy announced that American Idol season 22 would be her last because she wants to pursue other plans. Katy followed in the footsteps of previous American Idol judges,...

Katy Perry is saying goodbye to American Idol after seven seasons.

The singer announced her exit from the reality competition during an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. Kimmel asked Perry how long she would stay as a judge on the ABC talent show to which the singer said she was planning to attend the Rock in Rio music festival in Brazil this fall.

Perry then dropped the bomb, saying, “So I think this will probably be my last season for Idol.”

“I love Idol so much,” she continued. “It’s connected me with the heart of America but I feel like I need to feel that pulse to my own beat.”

Kimmel followed up and asked Perry what her co-stars, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, thought of her departure, she said, “Well, they’ll find out tonight.”

“They know that I have some things planned for this year,...

Katy Perry caused a bit of a Firework on Monday night, revealing on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” that this upcoming season of “American Idol” will be her last one as a judge.

Perry was a guest on Monday night’s “Kimmel.” When the host asked Perry how much longer she would stick with “Idol” — she’s been on the show for seven seasons, ever since it moved to ABC in 2018 — the singer said she was plotting her exit after this upcoming season. Perry said she was set to perform in this June’s “Rock in Rio” festival — but beyond that, she’s ready to move on.

“I love ‘Idol’ so much, it’s connected me with the heart of America,” she told Kimmel. “But I feel like I need to go out to feel that pulse of my own beat.”

Perry joined the show with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie,...

American Idol season 22 Top 24 performances will take place in Hawaii at Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa. Tori Kelly will be the mentor. Tori Kelly, a former contestant, is a Grammy-winning pop star who achieved success after her time on American Idol. American Idol alums often return as mentors, bringing their experience and expertise to help the contestants navigate the competition. Tori Kelly is the perfect choice for this role.

American Idol returns to Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii for the season 22 Top 24 performances, and Grammy-winning pop star and Idol alum Tori Kelly will be the mentor. American Idol season 22 features the return of longtime host Ryan Seacrest, along with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. After the auditions and Hollywood Week, the Top 24 contestants will perform in Hawaii.

In an Instagram post, American Idol announced that Tori will be the American Idol season 22 Hawaii Round mentor.

View...

With “Dancing with the Stars” set to come back for a 32nd season this fall on ABC after spending last year on Disney+, there’s a long list of celebrities who deserve to compete on the dance floor. Two of my previous suggestions came true: Frankie Muniz (who came in third in season 25) and Kel Mitchell (who came in second in season 28). Below is a list of female stars I think the show should consider inviting to the ballroom to vie for the next Mirror Ball Trophy. Do you agree with my picks? Vote in our poll at the bottom of this post to let us know which you’d most like to see on “DWTS.” And feel free to let us know in the comments what other stars you would like to see when the show comes back in September.

SEEEverything to know about ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season...

ABC confirms Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan are all returning as judges for American Idol season 22. The talented judging trio of Katy, Lionel, and Luke have been a part of American Idol for six years and will continue for a seventh season. There was speculation that at least some of the Idol judges would depart the series.

ABC made it official: Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are all coming back to the judging panel for American Idol season 22. These superstar singers joined the competition series starting in American Idol season 16, when the ABC took the reins from Fox. They've been with Idol for almost as long as the original trio of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, who were judges for the first seven seasons just by themselves before they were joined by Kara DioGuardi in Idol season 8, which ended up being Paula's final year.

Variety won 14 first-place awards Sunday night at the Los Angeles Press Club’s 65th annual SoCal Journalism Awards, more than twice as many as any other entertainment publication.

The 14 awards represented a historic high for Variety at the SoCal Journalism Awards, topping the previous best of 12 first-place prizes the magazine earned in 2018. Variety came into Sunday’s ceremony with a record 96 nominations, representing work published online and in print during the 2022 calendar year.

The awards were handed out during a gala dinner attended by hundreds in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Several staffers won dual honors. Owen Gleiberman, Variety‘s chief film critic, won best obituary/appreciation for a look back at actor William Hurt, plus best online arts commentary for the column “Is ‘Tar’ Rooting for or Against Cate Blanchett’s Superstar Predator Conductor?” Chris Willman, senior writer and chief music critic,...

American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert had some incredible performances on the show in 2009 that will always be remembered. Since the show ended, Adam has released five studio albums, including his debut, For Your Entertainment. The album featured the hit single "Whataya Want from Me," for which Adam received a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Adam has also appeared on several television shows as an actor, including Glee, and as a reality show judge, including Clash of the Cover Bands.

One of American Idol alum Adam's greatest achievements has been collaborating with the rock band Queen as their lead vocalist. Since 2011, Adam has performed with the legendary group as they toured the world. Adam is also the founder of the non-profit, Feel Something Foundation in order to support the LGBTQ+ community, which he is a proud member of. Adam has been entertaining audiences for 15 years now, and...

American Idol season 21 will once again feature Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan on the judging panel, and they have been called the best judges the show has ever had. When ABC revived the reality singing competition series in 2018, Lionel, Katy, and Luke became the judges. They had big shoes to fill, including those of the original panel, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell, who are considered reality TV royalty. Other celebrities who have served as American Idol judges include Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick, Jr.

When American Idol season 21 premieres, Lionel, Katy, and Luke will return to search for the best singers in the country. They have done a wonderful job so far, as they discovered winners Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Just Sam, Chayce Beckham, and Noah Thompson. The biggest success story from their American Idol...

Rita Wilson sings with Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tim McGraw, Vince Gill and more on her latest album Rita Wilson Now & Forever: Duets. Released in late September, the record finds the singer-actress interpreting some of her favorite songs of the Seventies, like the Bee Gees’ “Massachusetts,” Paul Simon’s “Slip Slidin’ Away,” and Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s “Where Is the Love.” Wilson is also re-creating the songs live onstage during a two-week residency at New York City’s Café Carlyle that kicked off earlier this week.

According to Wilson,...

Who is Todrick Hall? The American entertainer rose to fame in 2010 thanks to his stint on the ninth season of “American Idol,” in which he made it to the Top 16. He parlayed that success into his YouTube channel, where millions of fans watched his music performances and comedy videos. MTV then produced a reality TV series titled “Todrick” in 2015 that chronicled his work in the industry and his desire to be a role model for other queer people of color. A year later, Hall joined up with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” where he became a choreographer and judge. More recently, he has found success as a singer-songwriter for four studio albums and as a contestant on “The Masked Singer” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” Read on for seven fun facts about Todrick Hall.

1. A Broadway beginning

Hall’s big break came in 2008 when he joined the Broadway ensemble of “The Color Purple,...

Exclusive: Here. Is. Better., Emmy Award-Winning Director Jack Youngelson’s documentary about the rising mental health crisis in America though its examination of veterans’ experiences with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd), has completed production.

Here. Is. Better follows veterans overcoming the debilitating effects of Ptsd with treatments that could bring hope to the millions that continue to struggle. The film features the prominent politician, veteran and podcast host (Majority 54) Jason Kander, sharing his journey through treatment for the first time.

The docu is produced by Emmy Award-Winning producer Sian Edwards-Beal, producer David Beal, with executive producer William F. Brandt, Jr., Co-ep Andrew Craissati and Co-Producer Chloe Hall.

David Koh is selling Here. Is. Better. worldwide at Cannes. The film will be a part of a larger initiative geared towards helping those who struggle with Ptsd, to be launched later this year.

Below is the just released trailer; note some of the...

Our lives would suck without Kelly Clarkson. The pop singer known for her powerful pipes was introduced to us in the first season of “American Idol” on Fox in 2002, launching a career that spans the 21st century. She won that competition, but what are the best songs she has recorded since then? Scroll down to see how we rank her greatest hits. Do you agree with our pick for her number-one song of all time?

In the years since Clarkson’s “Idol” coronation, the show has been inconsistent in delivering artists with lasting music careers, though standouts like Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson have also stood the test of time. Clarkson was actually the first “Idol” alum to win a Grammy, claiming Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (“Since U Been Gone”) and Best Pop Album (“Breakaway”) in 2006. She also claimed Best Pop Album for “Stronger” in 2013. And that album’s...

American Idol continues its second life on ABC. Ahead of the season three finale, ABC announced the singing competition series will return for a fourth season. But something was missing from the announcement: who's returning? Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan have served as the judging panel for all three seasons. Longtime host Ryan Seacrest picked up the duties once again for the revival on ABC. Bobby Bones served as mentor. American Idol is no stranger to judging shakeups. During its first 15 seasons on Fox, the panel included Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban at various points. Seacrest has hosted the...

Ingrid Andress has had a surreal spring by any metric. In early March, a tornado badly damaged the 28-year-old singer-songwriter’s Nashville apartment building and forced her to find temporary housing. A week later, her high-profile opening slot on Dan + Shay’s world tour came to an abrupt halt after just three shows as the Covid-19 pandemic put live events on indefinite hiatus.

At the same time, she was experiencing some major career milestones. Her full-length album Lady Like was released via Warner Music Nashville on March 27th and her...

Ryan Seacrest has kept an old relic from the early days of ‘American Idol’ in his garage for the last three years. Now, he’s finally getting the chance to use it.

When ABC presents its first quarantine-edition of the beloved music competition show on Sunday, the longtime host will film his parts from home using the desk that original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson had way back in 2002.

“Hey guys, so we’re rehearsing for ‘American Idol,’ and this desk right here — we’re gonna do the show on Sunday for everyone to be able to vote — this desk is the original desk that Randy, Paula, and Simon had,” Seacrest said in a video posted to his Twitter page Wednesday.

Also Read: WarnerMedia CEO: Coronavirus Has Us 'Rethinking Our Theatrical Model'

“It was in my garage in storage, but I never thought we’d quite use it again,...

Starting all the way back in 2002, “American Idol” blasted onto our TV screens and quickly became the number one show in the country. Even though the series held that title for seven years, Fox announced the end of the series in 2016 after 15 seasons. Luckily ABC brought the show back in 2018, refreshing our love and healing our pain. Over the past 18 years an array of judges have sat at the panel helping to decide who will be the next “American Idol.” Set the course for memory lane as you take a look back at our worst-to-best rankings of “American Idol” judges over the years, including Simon Cowell and Katy Perry.

See‘American Idol’ contestant Courtney Timmons makes Ryan Seacrest weep buckets: ‘Sorry, I’m like a parent’ [Watch]

The original trio of Simon, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson sat at the judges’ table for eight seasons before Paula departed. Simon followed her a year later,...

“The Glass House”

ABC put 14 contestants into a house, and let America vote to decide who would be evicted and who would win $250,000. But with low ratings and a lawsuit from CBS claiming the show was a ripoff of “Big Brother,” “The Glass House” lasted just one season.

“I Wanna Marry ‘Harry'”

More than a few dating competition shows involve some kind of deceit, but few were as ridiculous as the one at the center of Fox’s “I Wanna Marry ‘Harry.'” Starring a male lead with only a slight resemblance to the British prince, the show pushed the limits of credulity.

“Joe Millionaire”

Attempting to expand on the format perfected by “The Bachelor,” Fox debuted “Joe Millionaire” just one year later, pitting contestants against each other for the affections of an average Joe whom they believed to be rich. Over a decade later, star Evan Marriott is still apologizing for deceiving those women.

Adam Lambert may have lost “American Idol” back in 2009, but he is one of the most successful alumni of the reality TV competition. Along with his solo efforts, he is the frontman for Queen. He returns to the show on Sunday April 28 as a coach to mentor the Top 8 as they prepare to sing some of the Queen classics.

Adam auditioned for “Idol” a decade ago with that English rock group’s hit single “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Relive that breakthrough moment for him in the video above. Be sure to watch to the end to see the reaction from judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson.

Adam made it all the way through to the season 8 final. One of of his last performances as a contestant was a duet with Queen bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor on “We Are the Champions.” While he may have lost the...

Ten years ago Adam Lambert took the stage during Top 8 week of “American Idol” and gave a haunting performance of “Mad World” that’s still making fans cry to this day. Adam’s stripped-down rendition of the Tears for Fears song from the April 7, 2009 episode is considered by many to be one of the best in the history of the reality TV show. It helped propel the wide-eyed 27-year-old all the way to second place, where he ultimately lost to Kris Allen. Watch the “American Idol” flashback video above.

See‘American Idol’ judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan confess to Gold Derby they regret eliminating this one singer

Even though he lost the title of “American Idol,” the past decade has been quite kind to Adam with killer record sales and many acting gigs (including a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in “Bohemian Rhapsody”). Oh, and did we mention he’s now the front-man of Queen?...

Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and Rita Wilson will embark on a joint concert tour beginning June 5th in Atlanta. The two artists, who have shared a close friendship in addition to their musical collaborations, will visit City Winery venues in Nashville, Washington, D.C., and New York, in addition to other intimate clubs before the trek wraps on June 19th.

Her recently released fourth LP, Halfway to Home, features Wilson’s poignant “Throw Me a Party,” a tune co-written with Bush and veteran tunesmith Liz Rose. The song was inspired...

Related: Best Fan Merch For ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Fans

The Oscar-gilded Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody may have a sequel in store, according to Page Six. This news came straight from Rudi Dolezal, a director behind many of the band’s videos and a close friend of Freddie Mercury. To be very clear: we have no idea whether or not this is true. And even if it is being discussed it doesn’t mean anything will ever happen. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try to imagine what a Bohemian Rhapsody sequel might look like.

Network: Fox and ABC.

Episodes: 555 (one - two hours); Ongoing.

Seasons: Ongoing.

TV show dates: June 11, 2002 -- April 7, 2016; March 11, 2018 -- Present.

Series status: Not Cancelled.

Performers include: Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman (hosts); Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr., Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan (judges); Bobby Bones (in-house mentor).  

TV show description:      

A pop singing competition reality show, the American Idol TV series ran for 15 seasons on Fox, before being cancelled/ending. Now, ABC has revived it. Although Ryan Seacrest has returned to host, the new iteration launches with three new judges -- Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke...

Rita Wilson stares down her own mortality on the inspiring new single, “Throw Me a Party.” Wilson carries the buoyant tempo with her soft croon that seems to float above a pristine blend of piano, drums and guitar. The lyrics, cowritten by Wilson, Liz Rose and Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, reflect that balance with pain and resolve. “So when I’m gone throw me a party/You should dance as if I was there/Don’t be sad or be broken-hearted/Just send your voices up in the air.”

“Party...

United Talent Agency has signed music industry executive and television personality Randy Jackson, the agency announced Monday. Jackson is known for his personal endeavors as a bassist and producer, as well as for his 13-season stint as an original judge on “American Idol,” alongside Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Jackson and the original “Idol” team received five consecutive Emmy nominations for outstanding reality/competition program from 2003 to 2007. Behind the camera, the music mogul started his own artist-management firm and production company Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment, which has produced TV series like MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew.”

On the music side, Jackson has collaborated with several high-profile artists, including Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Keith Richards, Journey, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Garcia, and Bob Weir. His efforts on both singular tracks and records amounts to more than 1,000 gold...

It's back! ABC is officially rebooting the American Idol TV show. The singing competition TV series originally ran on Fox from June 2002 to April of 2016. Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Candice Glover, Caleb Johnson, Nick Fradiani, and Trent Harmon were the winners in the show's first fifteen seasons on Fox. The first season of American Idol was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman. From season two, onward, Seacrest hosted the show, solo. Judges throughout the years included Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. Talent has yet to be announced for the ABC revival of American Idol. Read More…...

American Idol is officially coming back to television next season.

After weeks of rumors and a fierce bidding war, ABC confirmed on Tuesday morning it was rebooting the popular singing competition series — besting NBC and Fox for the show, which aired for 15 seasons on Fox from 2002 to 2016.

The news came on the network’s morning show Good Morning America. Co-anchor Amy Robach said a host, judges and premiere date for the show would be announced at a later date.

Idol fans no doubt hope Ryan Seacrest will return as host. He himself revealed on Monday’s Live with Kelly & Ryan...

An independent movie called Because of Gracia, which stars a former American Idol contestant who says her appearance on the former Fox show mirrors the experience of her character in the film, has picked up a distribution partner and set an opening date for Sept. 15, 2017, the filmmakers said Friday.

At age 16, Moriah Peters tried out for American Idol and told judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Avril Lavigne that she was a Christian who was saving her first kiss for marriage.

Peters said the celebrity judges praised her looks and her singing, but belittled her chaste lifestyle. One judge told her,...

Late into the 16-year gap between My Big Fat Greek Wedding and its sequel, Rita Wilson, who co-produced both films, went through a major change: She became a singer-songwriter. "I thought, 'Can you write a song if you don't play an instrument?' " Her friend, musician Kara DioGuardi, said yes, and Wilson has been on a co-writing tear ever since.

Her latest, "Even More Mine," plays during the end credits for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. The songwriting process started with Nathan Chapman (of Taylor Swift fame) and Darrell Brown (whom Wilson "stalked" on Twitter for his LeAnn Rimes...

This is how Reality Check ends — not with a whimper, but a bang.

RelatedFarewell for Now, American Idol, and Thanks for All the Memories

Since TVLine’s launch in 2011, we’ve been bringing you a weekly deep dive into all things American Idol — hosted by yours truly, upgraded starting in 2012 by “Season 6 standout” Melinda Doolittle’s mic-dropping expertise and edited to madness and beyond by “the great Jason Averett.” Reality Check was itself an upgrade of Idolatry — an EW.com series that launched in 2007 — and I’d be remiss if I didn’t pause here to thank TVLine’s...

Kieran, turn out the lights.

Our American Idol “journey” has come to an end, but let us not weep for what’s been cancelled, let us instead go to iTunes and download the Season 15 winner’s new single. Hey, from a songwriting vantage point, it may not be “Home,” but it definitely ranks above “No Boundaries” and “Inside Your Heaven” — and we bought those, too. And if this show can produce one more bona fide radio/touring superstar, maybe the inevitable reboot will happen sooner than expected, no?

RelatedFarewell for Now, American Idol, and Thanks for All the Memories...

Kara DioGuardi is best known for her short lived career as a judge on the eighth and ninth seasons of "America Idol," and made headlines when she flashed her bikini body during the season 8 finale. Guess what she looks like now! Read more...

For the 15th and final season of American Idol, past and present judges will be together again to bid adieu, according to Ryan Seacrest.

"I've spoken to all of them recently and we as a team have talked to them about coming back to do something for the final season," Seacrest, 40, told Access Hollywood on Thursday.

"They are going to do it, it's just a matter of figuring what to do with them."

Here's hoping for a Mariah Carey-Nicki Minaj reunion after their fiery feud on season 12. Or maybe even an Ellen DeGeneres cameo after the talk show...

Ellen DeGeneres wants nothing more than for everyone to be kind to and supportive of one another, and that's precisely why the talk show host didn't enjoy her experience as a judge on "American Idol" back in season 10.

DeGeneres explained herself during a recent interview on Howard Stern's radio show, calling her one-season appearance on the singing competition series "one of the worst decisions I've made."

But before you think that DeGeneres has suddenly morphed into fellow one-season judge Mariah Carey, who famously trashed the show after her season 12 judging stint, DeGeneres said that her opinion had more to do with her personal dislike for dashing contestants' hopes than for her feelings about the show itself.

"As a fan of the shows, it doesn't matter that I sing or I know anything about pitch ... I'm like everybody else at home, so I thought I'm gonna represent those people at home that have opinions,...

Judging American Idol might seem like a dream job, but for Ellen DeGeneres, it was anything but. During a chat with Howard Stern for his SiriusXM radio show on Tuesday, Sept. 8, the comedienne admitted she "hated" her year on the Fox singing competition. "That's one of the worst decisions I've made," DeGeneres, 57, told Stern, 61, of joining Idol for its ninth season in 2010. (The Emmy winner was one of four judges that year, along with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi.) "You know what [...]...

We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about shows including Sleepy Hollow, Jane the Virgin, Parenthood and Scandal!

1 | Which Saturday Night Live intern goofed, that the Family Feud sketch featured a weirdly outdated array of American Idol judges? (Also, raise your hand if you could do a better Harry Connick Jr. impression.)

2 | Were you as floored as we were, during the SAG Awards, to learn that Lifetime Achievement winner Debbie Reynolds didn’t know how to dance before Singin’ in the Rain? And...

"This is the happiest time of my life so far," singer-songwriter Audra Mae gushes on this sunny January afternoon in Los Angeles. "I could not be any more grateful. If I could, I would try!"

Mae has reason to celebrate. She is one of four co-writers credited on Kelly Clarkson's buzzed-about new single "Heartbeat Song," released on Monday, and Miranda Lambert's cover of her track "Little Red Wagon" hits country radio on Tuesday.

News: Miranda Lambert's Most Adorable Moments

Later this spring, she'll step out from the shadows to promote her own album -- cheekily titled Queendom Come -- in an effort to make her own dreams of pop stardom a reality.

The Oklahoma native -- and great-great-niece of Judy Garland -- has long been turning heads in the industry, but now it's time for the rest of us to meet Audra Mae.

The 30-year-old chats with ETonline about the story behind Clarkson's "Heartbeat...

"American Idol" is back for Season 14 and it's important to remind you: The last two winners have been Candice Glover and Caleb Johnson. For the past few years, the ability to make stars has been the thing "Idol" has used to set it apart from the higher-rated "Voice." It's not like the coronation of Phillip Phillips, an artist with probably more album sales than every "Voice" winner combined, was that long ago, but in a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business, "Idol" could use another breakout soon. [Note that ratings were Way down for "The Voice" this past season, as the NBC singing competition appears to have peaked and be heading into the predictable slide that almost all competition shows eventually go into. While pundits love to talk trash about the decline in "Idol" ratings, folks were oddly silent about "The Voice" in the fall. Shrug.] Expect more declines for "Idol" this season, but a breakout, incandescent star might help. So let's get down to the business of recapping Wednesday (January 7) night's premiere! With Fox sending out screeners, the live-blog times line up with episode time-code and not with any time from a real clock. Oh and Thursday's (January 8) two-hour...

[As you probably already know, starting on Thursday, August 21, Fxx is running the Every Simpsons Ever Marathon, running through all 552 episodes of "The Simpsons," plus "The Simpsons Movie." To aid in your viewing process, Team HitFix is selecting our favorite episodes from each day, plus an episode or two that you can skip and use as a bathroom or nap break.] We're nearing the end! Day 11 of Fxx's Every Simpsons Ever Marathon takes us from "The Greatest Story Ever D'ohed" (mid-Season 21) through "Beware My Cheating Bart" (late-Season 23). Personally, I was shocked to see at least one or two episodes in this period that I haven't seen, as well as a lot of episodes I haven't seen multiple times, which was almost unheard-of for the first eight or nine days of the Marathon. But we still have preferences for you. Yup! We're gonna make it through this whole darned Marathon, for which we're unlikely to receive a prize. But we've got commitment. [Oh and the episode guest-starring Katy Perry is "The Fight Before Christmas," airing at 7:30 a.m. It was neither good nor bad enough to get mentioned here, but it makes for a good picture.] Check out our recommendations for Day 10 and chime in with your own favorites... Katie Hasty Recommends: "The Bob Next Door" (3 a.m.) Episode #463 Why it's worth watching: The best Sideshow Bob is an evil Sideshow Bob. And the best kind of Nicolas Cage movie is "Face/Off." The premise of...

Ever since fans caught wind of Hilary Duff's impending new album last fall, there's been a surprising amount of talk about what it would sound like. Well, speculate no more — lead single "Chasing the Sun" was released just yesterday. Duff's been quiet for more than five years, so we've compiled an audio history of her dozen years in the music industry, from her duets with Christina Milian and Lil Romeo to her "edgier" work with superproducer Kara DioGuardi. Take a walk down memory lane with us.2002 In an effort to parlay her fame from Lizze McGuire to the recording industry, Duff releases "I Can’t Wait," a cover of a Brooke McClaymont song. It’s met with a resounding sigh of "well, I guess this is happening, huh?" Later that year, Duff proves her brand loyalty (synergy!) with a cover of “Tiki Tiki Room” for a Disney compilation. It...

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's 35-page dissent in the Supreme Court's controversial Hobby Lobby ruling on Monday is already awesome enough, but singer-songwriter Jonathan Mann just made it even better: As part of his "Song a Day" project, he wrote an acoustic jam underlining the best points in Rbg's treatise. You'll never forget Ginsburg's words now that they're singable. As for Jonathan Mann: What a lovely voice! Reminds me of Jason Reeves, whose version of "Terrified" with Kara DioGuardi I've watched a thousand times.

Since her first English-language album almost a quarter century ago, Celine Dion has become one of the biggest selling artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold, five Grammys, and a Vegas show that is legendary.

This weekend is her 46th birthday, so let’s count down her finest moments. What are her best chest-pounding, sky-pointing songs?

20. All By Myself

Year – 1996

Album – Falling Into You

Hot 100 – #4

Celine took Eric Carmen‘s pity party and turns it on its ear. When she bellows “Don’t want to be all by myself … anymore!,” it’s not a plea, it’s a command, dammit.

19. Love Can Move Mountains

Year – 1992

Album – Celine Dion

Hot 100 – #36

Gospel-infused, it won the Juno Award for Best Dance Recording in 1993, and has been a part of every Celine tour since it was recorded.

18. Only One Road

Year – 1994

Album – The Colour Of My Love

Hot 100 – #93

The fifth single from The Colour Of My Love,...