Randy Jackson: Life in Pictures
American Idol
Randy is best known for his work on the outrageously successful singing competition American Idol. Since 2002, he has judged the series alongside Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. Paula can be too sweet and Simon can be too cruel, but Randy is always juuust riiight. (Sam Jones / Associated Press)
Take a click-through look at highlights (and lowlights) from the Hollywood celebrisphere.
Music exec
Randy served as vice president of artists and repertoire at Columbia Records and as senior VP of A&R at MCA. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Weighty issues
In 2003, after years of failed dieting, Randy took control of his health by getting gastric bypass surgery. The procedure helped him shed 100 pounds. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Favorite word
Randy is known for his casual, friendly way of addressing contestants on American Idol. He calls them dawg. (Zach Trenholm / For The Times)
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But what I really wanna do is act
Randy used his Idol fame to launch an acting career; he appeared on Dr. Vegas in 2004 and Kevin Hill in 2005. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)