'American Idol' Judges Announced: A Timeline of the Saga

Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will join Randy Jackson at the American Idol judges table this season, host Ryan Seacrest announced in a press conference today. The decision puts an end to months of speculation about who will judge the show as it heads into its 10th year.

The saga began when Simon Cowell announced he would retire at the end of season 9—everyone from Justin Timberlake to Donald Trump was mentioned as a possible replacement. Things got even more complicated when it became clear that Cowell wasn't the only judge who wouldn't be returning; both Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi announced their departure from the panel as well.

Here's a timeline of what exactly happened between January 11—when Cowell revealed he'd be leaving the show—and now:

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