Some Absolutely Staggering Facts About American Idol You Should Know Before You Start Watching Again

There Was Supposed To Be Four Judges

2807761

Photo Credit: Ray Mickshaw / WireImage / Getty Images

American Idol’s original judging panel was actually supposed to have four judges. They approached radio personality DJ Stryker to fill the fourth spot but he backed out before production of the first season due to concerns the show would hurt his image.

A season later the producers approached DJ Angie Martinez and she followed through with the deal. She appeared during a round of auditions but removed herself from the series because she didn’t like critiquing contestants and destroying their dreams. They didn’t get a fourth judge until season 8 when they welcomed Kara DioGuardi.

It kills me to know that everything about the show was calculated. Find out how very shortly.