Highlights

• 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, sparking rumors about potential replacements like Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift.
• Jennifer Lopez, Ellen DeGeneres, 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 February 2024: 'American Idol' debuted Season 22 on ABC on February 18. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry have returned, but Perry has announced that she will not be returning for Season 23 of the show. With this departure, rumors are swirling that executives at ABC would like Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift to judge. Either would be a huge draw to 'American Idol' and would certainly be a job that would significantly increase either star's net worth.

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 One in 2002 until the end of Season Eight in 2009.

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 Eight in 2009 and Season Nine in 2010. In 2011, DioGuardi was also a judge on Bravo's songwriting competition show, Platinum Hit.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Kara is currently estimated to have a net worth of $25 million.

12 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.

Currently, Harry is estimated to have a net worth of around $45 million.

11 Randy Jackson

Net Worth: $50 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 One 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 $50 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.

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, according to Celebrity Net Worth, 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.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, 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.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, 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.

4 Katy Perry

Net Worth: Between $370-$400 Million

• Appeared as a judge for Seasons 16-22

Singer Katy Perry joined the panel of judges on American Idol alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for Season 16 in 2018, and has been on it ever since. While Perry has returned for Season 22 in 2024, she announced that she will be leaving the show after this season.

According to multiple reports, Katy Perry — who is in a relationship with Hollywood star Orlando Bloom — is estimated to have a net worth between $370 million and $400 million.

3 Jennifer Lopez

Net Worth: $400 Million

• Appeared as a judge for Seasons 10-11; 13-15

Opening up the top three richest American Idol judges is singer and actress Jennifer Lopez. The star — who seems to have finally found happiness with her former love Ben Affleck— was a judge on American Idol for Season 10 in 2011 and Season 11 and 2012.

Jennifer sat out Season 12 but she rejoined the panel of judges for Season 13 in 2014, and she was on the show until the end of Season 15 in 2016.

Currently, Jennifer Lopez is estimated to have a net worth of $400 million.

2 Ellen DeGeneres

Net Worth: $500 Million

• Appeared as a judge for Season 9

The runner-up on today’s list of richest American Idol judges is television host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres who had to deal with quite a lot of controversy in 2020. The star joined American Idol only for Season Nine in 2010, and did not return after that.

According to reports, she is currently estimated to have a net worth of $500 million, and is continuously adding to her wealth.

1 Simon Cowell

Net Worth: $600 Million

• Appeared as a judge for Seasons 1-9

Wrapping the list up at spot number one is British television personality and entrepreneur Simon Cowell. Simon has been one of the original judges of American Idol as he joined the show for Season One in 2002, and he was on it until the end of Season Nine in 2010.

Simon is currently estimated to have a net worth of $600 million.

Source: Celebrity Net Worth