“American Idol” is the TV singing competition that’s a music industry game changer for aspiring vocalists and the talent program landscape. Although music stars are still discovered in other ways, it’s undeniable the show wields great power in the recording business. Despite clones like NBC’s, “The Voice”, Idol still is a go to show for new talent. The FOX show has run an impressive 11 years as the place where stars like Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia and Carrie Underwood were born and launched popular and profitable careers. It also kick started big names like Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson into fame and fortune. What are the “American Idol” original stars worth?
Simon Cowell
He’s the surly Brit with the acid tongued opinions all of America waits to hear. Cowell may now be on “The X Factor”, but it’s hard to think “American Idol” without summoning up his uniquely entertaining persona. Cowell doesn’t pull punches with his music judgments, and though his critical comments may sting, he’s conducting business, not engaging in personal smears against any individual artist. All of that complete candor has brought him great wealth and his estimated net worth is $370 million dollars.
Paula Abdul
She’s the pop star who was a fixture on The Arsenio Hall show in the 1990’s, and wowed us with pop hits like “Straight Up” and “Opposites Attract”. Abdul is also an accomplished dancer and choreographer who worked with such superstars as Janet Jackson. Abdul and Cowell became something of a wacky comic duo on the original Idol. Fans loved to see them mix it up and argue like an old married couple. After both she and Cowell left the show, he hired her for his X-Factor, but it didn’t work out well and she left after one season. She’s both a Grammy and Emmy Award winner, and her hard work in entertainment has given her an estimated net worth of $30 million dollars.
Randy Jackson
He’s the lead, hip canine of the ‘dawg pound’ – a playful term for Randy Jackson’s supporters and also the male show contestants. Jackson is also an accomplished musician who plays bass guitar and he’s worked with super music groups like mega hit machine Journey and Boston. He’s also a Grammy Award winning producer. Jackon also produced a talent competition show for MTV entitled, “America’s Best Dance Crew”, hosted by Mario Lopez of “Saved By The Bell” fame. All of this musical related activity has given Jackson an estimated net worth of $40 million dollars.
Ryan Seacrest
Brian Dunkleman is gone, but Seacrest remains. Dunkleman was Idol’s original co-host with Seacrest, but left after only one season to pursue other projects. Cowell and Seacrest would tease each other almost as much as Abdul and the lively Brit did, but when it comes to his hosting chores, Ryan Seacrest is a serious professional. He’s also an incredibly successful radio host and producer. His most famous TV show – other than American Idol – is Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Yes, like it or not, Seacrest is responsible for giving us Kim Kardashian and her ubiquitous family. All his projects give him an estimated net worth of $250 million bucks.
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