Simon Cowell, Abdul, Kara, and Lopez are all judges on the popular television show American Idol. Simon Cowell is a British music executive and television producer who has been a judge on the show since its inception in 2002. Abdul is the stage name of Paula Abdul, an American singer-songwriter, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality who was a judge from 2002 to 2009. Kara is the stage name of Kara DioGuardi, an American singer-songwriter, record producer, music publisher, and A&R executive who was a judge from 2009 to 2011. Lopez is the stage name of Steven Tyler, an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and former television music competition judge who was a judge from 2010 to 2012.