Randy Jackson Randy Jackson Randall Darius Jackson (born June 23, 1956) is an American bassist, singer, record producer, entrepreneur and television personality. Jackson began his career in the 1980s as a session musician playing bass guitar for an array of jazz, pop, rock and R&B performers. He moved on to work in music production and as A&R at Columbia Records and MCA Records. Jackson is best known from his appearances as a judge on "American Idol" and executive producer for MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew". Jackson has won a Grammy Award as a producer. Jackson was born on June 23, 1956, in
American Idol controversies possibly "ruining" "Idol". Melinda Doolittle's departure stunned fans and critics alike. Simon Cowell admitted that the sixth season's crown should have rightfully gone to Melinda. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe responded, noting that "["Idol" producers] were so engrossed with the mentors and didn't really focus on the Melinda Doolittles of the show." Lythgoe also produces "So You Think You Can Dance", and has noted that the dance program gives background information about its contestants, while "American Idol" focused more on its big name celebrity mentors, such as Tony Bennett, Gwen Stefani, and Jennifer Lopez. In the top thirteen in season 8,