Randy Jackson was one of three judges when the show debuted in 2002 . With Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul out , he is the only one that remains . The judge panel for American Idol has changed over time as well.
Randy Jackson was one of three judges when the show debuted in 2002 . With Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul out , he is the only one that remains . Jackson said that it was his decision to leave `` American Idol ''