Poll: 79% of 'American Idol' Viewers Want Simon Back

Musical Chairs

This first appeared in the July 27 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

The American Idol judges panel is going to look different for its upcoming 12th season. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez both recently announced their departures.

STORY: Big Challenges Ahead as 'American Idol' Tries Another Reinvention

Too Nice?

“After some long... hard... thoughts... I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress American Idol before she boils my rabbit,” Steven Tyler said in announcing his departure from Fox's singing competition.

VIDEO: Steven Tyler's 6 Most Memorable 'American Idol' Moments

Room for Improvement

Jennifer Lopez announced her departure from Idol on Ryan Seacrest's radio show after months of speculation over whether she would return as a judge.

VIDEO: Jennifer Lopez's 6 Most Memorable 'American Idol' Moments

Your Next 'Idol' Judge Is...

Mariah Carey is one of the A-list names that has surfaced as a potential judge. The singer has ties to the Fox competition's longtime judge Randy Jackson, with whom she's worked over the course of her music career.

REPORT: Mariah Carey: Your Next 'American Idol' Judge?

Action Jackson

It's unclear whether Randy Jackson, who has been a judge on the show since its first season, will return.

OPINION: Steven Tyler Leaves 'American Idol,' But What Did He Really Bring to the Table?

The Cowell Factor

Simon Cowell departed the show in 2010 to judge a U.S. version of his singing competition, The X Factor, which also airs on Fox.

VIDEO: New 'X Factor' Promo Teases Harsh Comments From Britney Spears, Simon Cowell

Votes of Support

“We had an amazing run," Jennifer Lopez said in announcing her departure. "It's one of those special things in your life that you don't want to walk away from."

VIDEO: 'American Idol': Jennifer Lopez Wishes She Could Mentor More