American Idol (season 12) American Idol (season 12) The twelfth season of "American Idol" premiered on January 16, 2013, as part of the mid-season of the 2012–13 network television season. Ryan Seacrest returned to host. Randy Jackson returned for his twelfth season as judge and was joined by new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, who replaced Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. The season was the third to have four judges, after the eighth and ninth seasons. It was also the first season in the show's history where all the finalists of one gender (male) were eliminated before any finalists of the
The American Idol Experience Talent", winning a contract to Simon Cowell's "Syco" label. Thirteenth season finalists Majesty Rose, Ben Briley, and Emily Piriz all won Dream Tickets at the attraction. Fourteenth season semi-finalist Adam Ezegelian was a two-time Dream Ticket winner (2009 and 2014). The American Idol Experience The American Idol Experience was a theme park attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. Inspired by the popular American television series "American Idol", the attraction invited park guests to audition in front of live audiences who would vote for their favorite singers. The attraction was announced on February 7, 2008, although