Photos:: ‘American Idol’ judges through the years

Pop star Jennifer Lopez joined the judging panel for Season 10, left two years later, then returned for Season 13 and will be there to see the show through its final season.

Keith Urban first appeared on “Idol” during the Season 8 finale to perform his 2009 hit “Kiss a Girl” as a duet with eventual winner Kris Allen.

As a judge, the country star’s quiet and kind demeanor has made him a fan favorite. He’ll be a judge for the show’s final season.

Years on the show: 12.

Musician-producer Randy Jackson was the longest-lasting judge on the show, ending his run after Season 12.

Years on the show: 1.

While Carey was initially excited to land a seat at the judges’ table, “Idol” fans criticized her bland presence and on-screen spats with Nicki Minaj.

Years on the show: 1.

Nicki Minaj stood out on the panel for her flamboyant personality -- and for her ongoing feud with fellow judge Mariah Carey, which sometimes overshadowed the talent competition.

The rapper-singer also flaired tempers by showing up nearly 15 minutes late to “Idol’s” first live show of the season.

Years on the show: 8.

Paula Abdul chose to leave the top-rated show rather than accept a salary below her asking price. Though Abdul later reunited with Simon Cowell briefly on “X Factor,” she was overhauled in yet another reality judge shakeup.

Years on the show: 2.

Kara DioGuardi joined the judges’ panel in Season 8 of the Fox juggernaut. She departed from the show in 2010 when her contract wasn’t renewed, leaving Randy Jackson as the only returning judge for the following season.

Years on the show: 1.

Ellen DeGeneres, second from left, was brought on for the ninth season as a replacement for Paula Abdul, who exited in a contract dispute. Some fans enjoyed DeGeneres’ lighthearted quips, but she was attacked by many “Idol” fans for having no background in the music industry and adding little to the show. She announced her departure in July 2010.

Guest judge: Lionel Richie was a guest judge during Season 2.

Guest judge: Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino was on the show as a mentor and guest judge in Season 3.

Guest judge: “How I Met Your Mother” star and Tony Awards host Neil Patrick Harris sat at the judges’ table to help weigh in on the singers during the Season 9 Dallas auditions. Harris was part of a slew of guest judges who included Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Joe Jonas and Kelly Clarkson.

Mary J. Blige was a guest judge during the selection phase of Season 9 in Los Angeles.