American Idol is getting nostalgic on May 4, as former judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will serve as guest judges for a special episode of the reality TV show fittingly called, "20th High School Reunion."
They will watch the newest generation of hopefuls take the stage as they sit alongside current judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
Below we've delved into why the duo left the hit show over a decade ago. The popular TV competition premiered in 2001 and Paula, Randy and Simon Cowell served as the original judges.
© Getty ImagesDespite the show's major success, which launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, the trio ended up leaving their prestigious seats.
Paula left the show in 2009 after the eight season, Simon left the following year and Randy left in 2013.
© Getty ImagesWhy did Paula leave?
Paula explained why she called it quits to Entertainment Weekly, revealing: "The truth is, it was time for me to leave. I'd never had the same job for eight years. I felt that there were changes happening, and it didn't feel like the same show. I needed to go back and do things I wanted to do, and being in that contract with the show didn't allow me to do many things."
She added: "It was a bold decision to make, but I will always have tremendous gratitude because it was a tremendous experience for me. I was a big part of history. And the show did change when I left. I would say to Simon, 'You know the show ended when I left. You were still there for almost two more years.' He'd say, 'Oh, shut up,' but it's true!"
© Getty ImagesWhy did Randy leave?
Randy made the announcement about his departure in a statement at the time, expressing: "To put all of the speculation to rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol, I have decided to leave after this season. I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry."
He also shared with Deadline: "After 13 seasons, I felt now was the perfect time to leave American Idol. I'm proud to have been a part of a series that discovered some incredible artists and will go down in history as one of the most successful television shows ever. A true original, Idol started it all. Onto what's next."
© Getty ImagesWhy did Simon leave?
Although Simon isn't joining Randy and Paula for the special airing, he expressed why he left the show to HollywoodLife.
He revealed: "How can you say, 'You can't be a star [because of your age]' and I found the word 'Idol' obnoxious to be honest with you. And why isn't a 35-year-old as great as an 18-year-old? I just got to the point where this is not real, which is why I moved on."
