Summary
- 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 doesn’t come as a surprise that the judges have changed throughout the seasons.
Today’s 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 to musical legends like Lionel Richie and Steven Tyler — keep on scrolling to find out which of the judges has the highest net worth today.
Updated August 2024: 'American Idol' will be debuting Season 23 in 2025. At that time, there will be a new judge, Carrie Underwood. Carrie won the fourth season of 'American Idol' in 2005. Since then, she has gone on to become incredibly successful and managed to amass a $140 million net worth in the process.
14 Paula Abdul
Net Worth: $20 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Seasons 1-8
First on the list is singer, dancer, and television personality Paula Abdul who was one of the original judges on American Idol. Paula was there from the show's premiere with Season 1 in 2002 until the end of Season 8 in 2009.
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Currently, the star is estimated to have a net worth of $20 million which lands her in the last spot on today's list. However, with her abuse lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, Abdul could be getting a substantial settlement depending on the direction the case goes.
13 Kara DioGuardi
Net Worth: $25 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Seasons 8-9
Next on the list is songwriter and music producer Kara DioGuardi. Kara joined the judges panel on American Idol for Season 8 in 2009 and Season 9 in 2010. In 2011, DioGuardi was also a judge on Bravo's songwriting competition show, Platinum Hit.
Kara is currently estimated to have a net worth of $25 million.
12 Randy Jackson
Net Worth: $40 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Seasons 1-12
Let’s move on to musician and producer Randy Jackson who has been a judge on American Idol the longest out of any judges. Just like Paula Abdul, Randy is also one of the original judges, as he joined the show during Season 1 in 2002, and he was on it until the end of Season 12 in 2013.
Randy Jackson is estimated to have a net worth of $40 million.
11 Harry Connick Jr.
Net Worth: $45 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Seasons 13-15
Next on this list is none other than singer, pianist, and composer Harry Connick Jr. Harry joined the panel of judges of American Idol for Season 13 in 2014 and he left the show after Season 15 wrapped up in 2016.
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Currently, Harry is estimated to have a net worth of around $45 million.
10 Keith Urban
Net Worth: $75 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Seasons 12-15
Opening up the top 10 richest American Idol judges is Australian singer — and Hollywood star Nicole Kidman‘s husband — Keith Urban.
Keith joined the judges of American Idol for Season 12 in 2013, and he said goodbye to the show together with Harry Connick Jr. after Season 15 wrapped up in 2016.
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Currently, Keith is estimated to have a net worth of $75 million.
9 Steven Tyler
Net Worth: $150 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Seasons 10-11
Let’s move on to musician and lead singer of the popular rock band Aerosmith — Steven Tyler. Steven joined the judges of American Idol for two seasons — Season 10 in 2011 and Season 11 and in 2012.
Despite dealing with a lot of addiction issues over the years, Steven Tyler is estimated to have a net worth of $150 million.
8 Nicki Minaj
Net Worth: $150 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Season 12
Tied with the legendary Steven Tyler is famous rapper Nicki Minaj who has an estimated net worth of $150 million.
The musician — who is known for always rocking incredibly fun hair colors and elaborate music videos — joined the judges of American Idol for only one season, Season 12 in 2013.
7 Luke Bryan
Net Worth: $160 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Seasons 16-22
Spot number seven on the list of American Idol judges ranked by their network goes to country star Luke Bryan. Luke joined the judges of American Idol for Season 16 in 2018, and he has been a regular member since, coming back for Season 22 in 2024.
Luke is estimated to have a net worth of $160 million.
6 Lionel Richie
Net Worth: $200 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Season 16-22
Next on the list is musician and legend Lionel Richie, whose American Idol contract helped his net worth grow to an estimated $200 million.
Lionel, whose daughters Nicole and Sofia Richie are both famous stars, especially after Sofia Richie's recent rebrand, joined the judges of American Idol together with Luke Bryan for Season 16 in 2018. Richie has been a member of the judges ever since, coming back for Season 22 in 2024.
5 Mariah Carey
Net Worth: $350 Million
- Appeared as a judge for Season 12
Among the top five richest American Idol judges is musician Mariah Carey. The diva joined the judge's panel of American Idol alongside Nicki Minaj for just one season — Season 12 in 2013.
The star — who has an interesting relationship with ex-husband and father of her children Nick Cannon — is currently estimated to have a net worth of $350 million.
