Early in the show’s development, producers considered Stryker (radio personality) and Angie Martinez (TV/radio host) alongside other judges, but the lineup ultimately changed before the series premiered.

The experiment with four (and briefly five) judges was short-lived for several key reasons:

Known as "The Voice of New York," Martinez struggled with the show's requirement for harsh criticism.

American Idol Originally Planned Four Judges Stryker Angie Martinez

Early in the show’s development, producers considered Stryker (radio personality) and Angie Martinez (TV/radio host) alongside other judges, but the lineup ultimately changed before the series premiered.

The experiment with four (and briefly five) judges was short-lived for several key reasons: Early in the show’s development

Known as "The Voice of New York," Martinez struggled with the show's requirement for harsh criticism. Early in the show’s development