Randy Jackson sparks concern over ‘frail’ appearance during American Idol return

Former judge returned as a guest mentor alongside Paula Abdul
Randy Jackson has left fans worried for his health after his “frail” appearance on American Idol.

The longtime Idol judge, 69, returned to the competition show alongside Paula Abdul during Monday’s episode to serve as a guest mentor for the season 24 semi-finalists for the episode's “Class of 2006” theme.

Fans expressed concern that he looked thinner than he did during his time as a judge on the show from 2002 to 2013, also adding that he did not stand up at all during the episode.

One Reddit user wrote, “He looks frail, and can he not walk?

Sitting in a chair when meeting everyone.” Another worried person wrote: “He looks weak and frail.

He only sat.

I hope he is OK!”
A user on X wrote, “Is Randy Jackson ill?

I’m worried about him!

I know he lost weight but he seems really frail and hoarse.”
Jackson was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2002 and underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003, which caused him to lose more than 100 pounds.

“For a long time you see me on TV and people have noticed me in the past and I was struggling with my weight,” the reality star told People in 2020.

“Then I finally got it off by using some pretty drastic measures.”
The Name That Tune bandleader added that he had focused on keeping the weight off by hiring a wellness team to help with his fitness and his diet.

“If I really feel like I need to have a piece of candy, I have a small piece so that in my mind, I'm not saying, ‘No, no, no,’” Jackson said.

“The more you deny yourself, the more you're going to go on a bender and have 18 candy bars without stopping at some point.”
He added: “You have to change the way you think about food.

You have to almost have a complete divorce break up…and start back bit by bit and find out the things that work with your body.”
Jackson was an original judge on the iconic show alongside Abdul and Simon Cowell for 11 years.

During Monday’s show, Jackson worked with contestants Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt and Chris Tungseth ahead of their performances in the live show.

Jackson and Abdul were not the only Idol alums to return for the nostalgic episode — former contestants Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington and Taylor Hicks also took the stage during the show.

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies