American Idol (season 8) the American Idol." Season eight was the top show for the 2008–09 broadcast primetime season and took the top two spots for its Tuesday and Wednesday episodes. The viewers number for the Wednesday episodes averaged 25.527 million, while the Tuesday episodes averaged 24.741 million. The ratings were down from season seven, with the finale dropping 13% in the 18–49 demo and 9% in total viewers number. American Idol (season 8) The eighth season of "American Idol" premiered on January 13, 2009, and concluded on May 20, 2009. Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson continued to judge the show's
Andrew Jackson Higgins (judge) Andrew Jackson Higgins (judge) Andrew Jackson Higgins was a judge on the Supreme Court of Missouri between 1979 and 1991, and its Chief Justice from 1985 to 1987. Previously, he had served as a commissioner for the Supreme Court between 1964 and 1979, and as Circuit Court Judge for Platte County from 1960 to 1964. Zel Fischer, a current Judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri, clerked for Judge Higgins from 1988 to 1989; Judge Higgins administered Judge Fischer's oath. After retiring from the bench, Judge Higgins became an advocate against plans to change the way Missouri selects its judges.