The show had originally planned on having four judges following the Pop Idol format, however only three judges had been found by the time of the audition round in the first season, namely Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. A fourth judge, radio DJ Stryker, was originally chosen but he dropped out citing "image concerns". In the second season, New York radio personality Angie Martinez had been hired as a fourth judge but withdrew only after a few days of auditions due to not being comfortable with giving out criticism The show decided to continue with the three judges format until season 8. All three original judges stayed on the judging panel for eight seasons.
In season eight, Kara DioGuardi was added as a fourth judge. Paula Abdul left the show before season nine after failing to agree terms with the show producers. Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul for that season, but left after just one season. On January 11, 2010, Simon Cowell announced that he was leaving the show to pursue introducing his show The X Factor to the USA for 2011. Kara DioGuardi also left the show on September 3, 2010 after two seasons.
Going into season 10, the producers made numerous changes to the show, including reverting to the original system of a three-judge panel. On September 22, 2010, it was announced that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler would join Randy Jackson for season 10.
Guest judges may occasionally be introduced. In season two, guest judges such as Lionel Richie and Robin Gibb were used from the Top 12 to Top 4. In season three Donna Summer, Quentin Tarantino and some of the mentors also joined as judges to critique the performances in the final rounds. Guest judges were used in the audition rounds for seasons four, six and nine, such as Gene Simmons and LL Cool J in season four, Jewel and Olivia Newton-John in season six, Neil Patrick Harris and Shania Twain in season nine.
The first season was presented by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman. Dunkleman quit after the first season but would have been fired had he not left,and Ryan Seacrest has presented the show alone since.
In season eight, Kara DioGuardi was added as a fourth judge. Paula Abdul left the show before season nine after failing to agree terms with the show producers. Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul for that season, but left after just one season. On January 11, 2010, Simon Cowell announced that he was leaving the show to pursue introducing his show The X Factor to the USA for 2011. Kara DioGuardi also left the show on September 3, 2010 after two seasons.
Going into season 10, the producers made numerous changes to the show, including reverting to the original system of a three-judge panel. On September 22, 2010, it was announced that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler would join Randy Jackson for season 10.
Guest judges may occasionally be introduced. In season two, guest judges such as Lionel Richie and Robin Gibb were used from the Top 12 to Top 4. In season three Donna Summer, Quentin Tarantino and some of the mentors also joined as judges to critique the performances in the final rounds. Guest judges were used in the audition rounds for seasons four, six and nine, such as Gene Simmons and LL Cool J in season four, Jewel and Olivia Newton-John in season six, Neil Patrick Harris and Shania Twain in season nine.
The first season was presented by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman. Dunkleman quit after the first season but would have been fired had he not left,and Ryan Seacrest has presented the show alone since.