Did you know each other before the show started?
Youre horrible, youre terrible.
We were like, you cant say this guys horrible!
Credit: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images
you’re able to say hisvoiceis horrible, but you cant say thatheis!
So we stopped for like, two hours, had this whole powwow.
You fell in the middle of Paula and Simon in terms of judging style.
What were your goals heading into that first season?
I just really wanted to be honest.
Whats your favorite performance ever?
Kelly Clarkson, the finale of that first season.
Clay and Reuben, that finale, Fantasia singing Summertime.
But Jordin Sparks had a moment, for me, when she auditioned for us in Seattle.
And she said, Ive auditioned three times but I never made it in front of the judges.
And we were just like, What?!
And that was the season that you guys really hated the Seattle auditions, right?
But Jordin was incredible and of course went on to win the whole thing.
You know, there are just so many memories like that.
I mean, myGod.
I think back to when we saw Clay [Aiken] in Atlanta, you know!
We were shocked and surprised.
And then there are some wild moments with some of the funnier contestants.
I dont think America will ever forget William Hung.
Oh my God, that dude!
And he was a very smart kid.
He made it work.
It just goes to show that you’re free to make something out of almost nothing.
Because he certainly didnt have a voice.
[Laughs]
Is there an elimination that still pains you?
And it gutted me because I really thought she could go all the way.
But shes proven that she could and she has.
Youve sat through countless auditions have any songs been completely ruined for you?
Every season we banned songs.
People were justkillingAlicia Keys, they were killing Adele, they were killing Mariah [Carey].
But Alicia Keys Fallin.
What are your thoughts on the various iterations of the judges table?
Cause we discovered some great talent that has gone on to do some great things.
But I think a lot of them have been good.
People always look at that season as a little bit negative but I think it was still valuable.
Who argued more, Paula and Simon or Nicki and Mariah?
Mmm, hard to say.
[Laughs] I think Paula and Simon are still bickering.
I know youre involved in season 15, but what can we expect from your involvement in season 15?
A lot of like, hot, steamy looks.
Is there any info you’re free to share with us?
I want you to watch and be surprised!
What do you want to see Ryan Seacrest do with his free time after the show ends?
I think he should hang out with me and Simon and Paula.
Well get a house down by the beach, just ride around town.
Were gonna hang out and open up a bar and a lounge.
Well just be on the beach playing Frisbee, dude!
What would the Ryan/Randy/Simon/Paula bar and lounge be called?
Itd probably more like that show on ABC?Wipeout.
Dude, that people had a good time.
Its like, one thing wed always say is, nobodyincluding usshould take themselves too seriously.
Songs and lyrics, lyrics and melodies.
You know what I mean?
The final season ofAmerican Idolkicks off Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Check back in Tuesday and Wednesday for interviews with Harry Connick Jr. and Ryan Seacrest, respectively.
A version of this story appeared inEntertainment Weeklyissue #1397/98, on newsstands now oravailable for purchase here.
