This information is from americanidol.com.
PAULA ABDUL
Birthplace: San Fernando, Calif.
Paula Abdul is one of the most recognized pop singers and choreographers of our day. Her celebrated work in choreography for television includes Emmy-winning contributions to The Tracey Ullman Show, Paula’s own performance on The American Music Awards and her choreography for The Academy Awards, for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Paula’s choreography contributions in feature films include the Academy Award-winning American Beauty, working with Cuba Gooding Jr. on his Academy Award-winning performance in Jerry Maguire, and transforming Val Kilmer into Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors.
Paula’s music career encompasses worldwide album sales exceeding 30 million records, two No. 1 albums, six No. 1 singles, a Grammy Award, seven MTV Awards, two Emmy Awards, two People’s Choice Awards and two Kids’ Choice Awards. She has been honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, and was inducted into Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Hall of Fame.
Other triumphs include her award-winning work with Janet Jackson, which garnered two MTV Video Awards; and working with such music legends as Aretha Franklin, Heart and Prince.
Paula continues to honor her roots by running dance and cheerleading camps, competitions and scholarship programs throughout the country. She lives in Los Angeles.
SIMON COWELL
Birthplace: Brighton, England
Simon Cowell’s honesty on American Idol has made him a household name in America. His U.K.-based production company, SYCO, produces the BAFTA Award-winning show, “The X Factor”, which has also topped the charts in the U.K. Additionally, Simon created and served as executive producer on “American Inventor” and “America’s Got Talent.”
As a judge, Simon is notorious for his unsparingly blunt and often controversial criticisms, insults and wisecracks about contestants and their singing abilities — or lack thereof. He is often parodied in pop culture. He is known for his work in both the television and music industries, having promoted singles and records for various artists, including television personalities.
In 2008, Simon was named No. 22 on Forbes Magazine’s “Celebrity 100 Power List” and No. 29 in 2006. He was named one of People Magazine’s 25 Most Eligible Bachelors in 2004, while Entertainment Weekly named him one of the Top Entertainers of the Year. A 20-year veteran of the music industry, Simon is an executive with Sony Records, and has helped to shape the modern pop music industry. Over the last 15 years, his acts have achieved sales of more than 100 million albums, and he has had over 70 No. 1 records.
Simon lives in Los Angeles and the U.K.
RANDY JACKSON
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, LA.
Randy Jackson, a Grammy Award-winning producer, is a 20-year music industry veteran. He started out playing bass at the age of 13, and got his big break when he joined the band Journey. Randy also spent eight years as vice president of A&R at Columbia Records, followed by four years as senior vice president of A&R at MCA Records.
Randy has recorded, toured and performed with the likes of: Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, ’NSYNC, Madonna, Elton John and Destiny’s Child, among others. He has worked on over 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums. His contributions have helped to sell over 200 million albums worldwide.
With his talent, immense studio knowledge and record company experience, Randy is one of today’s most highly regarded music industry experts.
Last fall, Randy launched his own radio countdown show, “Randy Jackson’s Hit List”, for the Westwood One Radio Network.
Randy lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.
KARA DIOGUARDI
Birthplace: New Rochelle, N.Y.
One of the industry’s most sought after songwriters and producers, Kara DioGuardi’s songs have appeared on more than 100 million records. They have been recorded by Grammy award-winning artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, and many more.
Over the last four years, she has been awarded 10 BMI Pop Awards for having written the most performed songs on radio. From her catalog of several hundred songs, over 264 have been released on major labels worldwide; and over 165 have appeared on multi-platinum selling albums. Kara co-owns Arthouse Entertainment, where she develops and mentors fellow hit writers, producers and artists.
“We are turning the heat up on ‘Idol’ this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”
Host
RYAN SEACREST
Birthplace: Atlanta, GA
With his thriving broadcasting career and multiple ventures in media, it’s no wonder Ryan Seacrest is at the forefront of entertainment. While hosting and producing multiple television and radio programs, building his Ryan Seacrest Production Company (RSP) into a viable entity that creates content for all media platforms, and investing in a myriad of restaurant ventures, Ryan is redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur. Ryan was bestowed a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in radio. In 2006, 2007, and 2008, Ryan was included in Forbes Magazine’s annual “Celebrity 100 Power List,” joining the likes of Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Woods.
With his winning personality, the “American Idol” series has continued to climb in ratings to become a bona fide cultural phenomenon, making Ryan Seacrest a household name in the process. He also currently serves as managing editor and lead anchor for “E! News,” with Giuliana DePandi.
Ryan took over the most coveted radio position in L.A. four years ago on its Top 40 radio powerhouse 102.7 KIIS-FM. Since the February 2004 debut of “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” the program has become the No. 1 most popular morning show in L.A. Ryan has also doubled listenership for “American Top 40” since he inherited it from radio legend Casey Kasem.
Ryan currently lives in Los Angeles.
