American Idolis a hit competition show for some of the U.S.’s best vocal talent; showcasing great singers and sometimes, horrible ones, the show has become a staple of American entertainment and television. However, one of the main draws of the show is its panel of judges, each of whom is a famous star in their own right.
Because of their star power, these judges are often highly sought after for movie cameos and other related appearances. So what happens when television meets film? From Simon Cowell to Mariah Carey, we take a look back at some of the films whereAmerican Idoljudges had a memorable cameo.
10Simon Cowell (Scary Movie 3, 2003)
As one of American Idol’s most infamous judges, Cowell is known for his harsh criticism and stern demeanor. InScary Movie 3,Cowell plays a part he knows all too well: a singing judge! Not only does he insult the performers at the club, but he also says that the venue is pathetic, leading to a pretty violent (but admittedly, silly) altercation.
9Simon Cowell (Scoob!, 2020)
InScoob!, Simon Cowell makes anotherappearance as himself. When the gang starts discussing how to legitimize Mystery Inc. as a business, they welcome Cowell as a mentor and investor. In typical Simon Cowell fashion, he suggests the gang get rid of Shaggy and Scooby after hearing their horrible singing voices and watching them in disgust as they scarf down a comically-large sandwich. Though his screen time is short, his presence certainly made an impact on the Scooby gang.
8Katy Perry (Zoolander 2, 2016)
In thisZoolander 2, Katy Perry makes a quick cameo as herself. The movie features a star-studded cast of comedy vets and follows two goofy, competing male models. Katy interacts briefly with the main characters and models Derek and Hansel, questioning herself as a teen idol and sex symbol. At one point, Katy even goofily shows off her singing chops!
7Nicki Minaj (Ice Age: Continental Drift, 2012)
Nicki Minaj can sing, judge, perform, and now, voice-act! InIce Age: Continental Drift, Nicki Minaj makes an appearance as the sassy woolly mammoth named Steffie. Steffie is a part of a group of young teen mammoths called the Brat Pack. Though her role is minor, she plays an integral role in adding to the film’s story as well as its entertainment value.
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6Nicki Minaj (The Angry Birds Movie 2, 2019)
This time around, we see Nicki make her cameo in 2019’sThe Angry Birds Movie 2.Nicki plays Pinky, an aptly-named Pink bird with a whole lot of personality. Nicki’s voice-acting skills are definitely on display consideringPinkyhas a chipper English accent. We love watching Nicki soar on both the small screen and the big screen!
5Steven Tyler (Be Cool, 2005)
Rock star judge Steven Tyler made his cameo appearance in 2005’sBe Cool.Appearing as himself, Steven talks about rock and roll, his daughters, and even his hit songSweet Emotion. Funnily enough, Steven even makes a joke in the movie about not being the type of star to make movie appearances!
4Lionel Ritchie (Studio 666, 2022)
Lionel Ritchie was an exciting addition to American Idol’s star-studded judging panel. But when rock star met rock star in Ritchie’s cameo in 2022’sStudio 666, the excitement from fans was through the roof. The horror-comedy was created by none other than rock’s Foo Fighters. Ritchie’s cameo includes him yelling swears at Dave Grohl as he covers Ritchie’s song “Hello”. The scene is aggressive, silly, and kind of uncomfortable but hey, at least he committed to the part!
3Jennifer Lopez (Antz, 1998)
Jennifer Lopez is not just a talented singer and performer, but she also has dipped her toe into voice-acting! One of her earliest cameos came in 1998’sAntzwhere she played Azteca. As a worker ant and friend to the main character Z, J-Lo’s character was present for many key scenes in thisfantasy film.
2Mariah Carey (The Lego Batman Movie, 2017)
Another multimedia talent, singer and judge Mariah Carey makes a film cameo in 2017’sThe Lego Batman Movie. OnAmerican Idol, Mariah is a leading lady, giving awesome feedback with kindness and heart. Mariah’s character in the movie is similar, acting as Gotham City’s fearless leader, Mayor McCaskill. On-screen, she dons a short blonde wig and a blue suit. If only they had let Mayor McCaskill sing!
1Mariah Carey (Girls Trip, 2017)
In the 2017 filmGirls Trip, Mariah makes another cameo, this time, in the flesh. The film follows a group of girlfriends as they party in New Orleans, Louisiana. At one point, the girls go to see Mariah live in concert, where she dazzles in a sparkly gown and has the chance to show off her singing chops. Is there anything Mariah can’t do?
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