That leaves only Randy Jackson, who is also the solejudge remaining from the slate that originally launched the mega-hit back in 2002, along with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.
Last week, for example, Republicans in Virginia's House failed to approve the appointment of a judge whose sole disqualification seemed to be that he was gay.
The judge said in his ruling that he had sole authority to decide when to close a hearing or stop spectators - including journalists and relatives of the victims - from listening to testimony.
"As clearly suggested by the district court, it is the contrast between the sole and the upper that causes the sole to 'pop, ' and to distinguish its creator, " the three-judge panel found.