American Idol (season 8) had Simon Cowell as a judge.
American Idol (season 8) . Judges Simon Cowell , Paula Abdul , and Randy Jackson continued to judge the show 's contestants , along with Ryan Seacrest as host . Simon Cowell . He is most recognised as a judge on the British TV talent competition series Pop Idol , The X Factor , and Britain 's Got Talent , and the American TV talent competition shows American Idol , The X Factor , and America 's Got Talent .