American Idol (TV) Cast
The cast of American Idol. Updated on October 2, 2025.
193 actors
Nicki Minaj
as Self - Judge (37 episodes)

Nicki Minaj, a renowned rapper, singer, and songwriter, joined American Idol as a judge. With her bold and spirited personality, she provided a fresh and contemporary perspective on the contestants' performances.

Jennifer Lopez
as Self - Judge (172 episodes)

Jennifer Lopez, a multi-talented entertainer, appeared as a judge on American Idol. Her experience as a successful singer, dancer, and actress made her a valuable asset in critiquing and mentoring the aspiring singers.

Ryan Seacrest
as Self - Host (567 episodes)

Ryan Seacrest, a well-known television personality, served as the host of American Idol. With his charm and energy, Seacrest guided the contestants and brought excitement to the show with his enthusiastic hosting style.

Simon Cowell
as Self - Judge (358 episodes)

Simon Cowell, a renowned music executive and television personality, garnered a reputation for his brutally honest critiques as a judge on American Idol. Known for his sharp wit and high standards, Cowell provided a critical eye and tough love to the contestants.

Randy Jackson
as Self - Judge (474 episodes)

Randy Jackson, a music producer and former musician, brought his industry expertise and nurturing nature to the American Idol judging panel. Known for his catchphrases, such as 'dawg,' Jackson offered constructive feedback and guidance to the contestants.

Steven Tyler
as Self - Judge (79 episodes)

Steven Tyler, the lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith, joined American Idol as a judge. His decades of experience in the music industry, combined with his vibrant personality, made him a beloved and respected figure on the show.

Kara DioGuardi
as Self - Judge (83 episodes)

Kara DioGuardi, a songwriter and record producer, became a judge on American Idol. With her extensive songwriting background, DioGuardi provided valuable insights into the contestants' performances and helped in shaping their musical abilities.

Brian Dunkleman
as Self - Host (25 episodes)

Brian Dunkleman co-hosted the first season of American Idol alongside Ryan Seacrest. Although he left the show after the first season, Dunkleman played a significant role in kickstarting the series and introducing viewers to the American Idol phenomenon.

Keith Urban
as Self - Judge (130 episodes)
Paula Abdul
as Self - Judge (315 episodes)
Harry Connick Jr.
as Self - Judge (93 episodes)
Ellen DeGeneres
as Self - Judge (43 episodes)
Mariah Carey
as Self - Judge (37 episodes)
George Huff
as Self (2 episodes)
Stevie Wonder
as Self - Guest Performer (2 episodes)
Barry Manilow
as Self - Guest Judge (3 episodes)
Shakira
as Self - Guest Performer (1 episode)
Kenny Rogers
as Self (2 episodes)
Heather Locklear
as Self (1 episode)
Martina McBride
as Self - Guest Performer (2 episodes)
Jon Bon Jovi
as Self - Guest Performer (2 episodes)
Kellie Pickler
as Self (2 episodes)
Reese Witherspoon
as Self (2 episodes)
Elliott Yamin
as Self (2 episodes)
Ryan Starr
as Self (1 episode)
Lamont Dozier
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Olivia Newton-John
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Verdine White
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Lionel Richie
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Billy Joel
as Self (1 episode)
Diane Warren
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Neil Sedaka
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Robin Gibb
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Steven Cojocaru
as Self (1 episode)
Elton John
as Self - Mentor (1 episode)
Jason Priestley
as Self (1 episode)
Mark McGrath
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Camile Velasco
as Self (3 episodes)
Jon Peter Lewis
as Self (3 episodes)
Gene Simmons
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
LL Cool J
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Queen Latifah
as Self (1 episode)
Will Makar
as Self (1 episode)
Rod Stewart
as Self - Guest Performer (1 episode)
Tori Spelling
as Self (1 episode)
Ace Young
as Self (1 episode)
Lisa Tucker
as Self (1 episode)
Melissa Gilbert
as Self (1 episode)
Nikko Smith
as Self (1 episode)
Rebecca Romijn
as Self (1 episode)
Clive Davis
as Self (1 episode)
Todd Bridges
as Self (1 episode)
Meat Loaf
as Self - Guest (1 episode)
Chris Daughtry
as Self (4 episodes)
Jewel
as Self - Guest Judge (1 episode)
Anita Barone
as Self (1 episode)
Robin Thicke
as Self - Performer (1 episode)
Andrew Lloyd Webber
as Self - Mentor (1 episode)
Bette Midler
as Self (1 episode)
Blake Lewis
as Self (1 episode)
Katharine McPhee
as Self - Guest Performer (1 episode)
Céline Dion
as Self (1 episode)
Natasha Bedingfield
as Self - Performer (1 episode)
Graham Nash
as Self - Performer (1 episode)
Rihanna
as Self - Performer (1 episode)
Diana Ross
as Self - Guest Performer (2 episodes)
Fergie
as Self (2 episodes)
Nikki McKibbin
as Self (1 episode)
Jasmine Trias
as Self (3 episodes)
Kenny G
as Self - Guest (1 episode)
Anthony Fedorov
as Self (1 episode)
David Foster
as Self - Guest Performer (3 episodes)
Amaury Nolasco
as Self (1 episode)
Jerry O'Connell
as Self (1 episode)
Gavin DeGraw
as Self (1 episode)
Daniel Powter
as Self (1 episode)
Mary J. Blige
as Self - Guest (1 episode)
LeBron James
as Self (1 episode)
Pink
as Self (1 episode)
John Legend
as Self (1 episode)
David Cook
as Self (1 episode)
LaToya London
as Self (2 episodes)
Christina Christian
as Self (1 episode)
Kelly Clarkson
as Self - Guest (2 episodes)
Sasha Cohen
as Self (1 episode)
Jeri Ryan
as Self (1 episode)
Mandy Moore
as Self (1 episode)
Burt Bacharach
as Self - Guest (1 episode)
Doug E. Fresh
as Self (1 episode)
Eli Manning
as Self (1 episode)
Andrea Bocelli
as Self - Guest Performer (2 episodes)
EJay Day
as Self (1 episode)
Lulu
as Self (1 episode)
Christina Applegate
as Self (1 episode)
Al Jarreau
as Self - Guest (1 episode)
Micky Dolenz
as Self (1 episode)
Barry Gibb
as Self / Guest Performer (1 episode)
Bo Bice
as Self - Guest (1 episode)
George Michael
as Self - Performer (1 episode)
Gladys Knight
as Self (1 episode)
For the best insights and data about the TV show American Idol, visit our main American Idol page.