Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul took to Instagram earlier this week to reflect on her time appearing on the show for its 24th anniversary. Abdul posted several photos with her fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
Paula Abdul Reflects on American Idol
American Idol Season 1 premiered on June 11, 2002, with Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell sitting at the judges’ table. Abdul marked the show’s anniversary by posting several photos from her time as a judge.
In addition to several pictures with her fellow judges and longtime host Ryan Seacrest, Abdul also included a candid shot of her and Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson.
“Being part of this show from the very beginning has been one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Abdul wrote in the post’s caption. “Over the years, I’ve had a front row seat to so many incredible performances, stars being born and dreams coming true.”
Abdul returned to the show as a guest judge during the most recent season, which she said “brought back so many wonderful memories and reminded me of the countless talented artists whose lives were forever changed through this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
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How Long Was Abdul a Judge on the Show?
Paula Abdul was a judge on American Idol for the first eight seasons alongside Jackson and Cowell. Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres joined the panel for Season 9, after which Cowell departed the show. Jackson stayed on the panel through Season 12.
Abdul returned to the show as a guest judge in Season 19, and again during the most recent season. The singer and dancer has also appeared as a judge on talent shows such as The X Factor, So You Think You Can Dance, and The Masked Dancer.
Do you miss the original judging panel on American Idol? How long have you been watching the show? Let us know in the comments below.
