There’s something special about watching a celebrity step out of their comfort zone and sit behind a judging table. One day, they’re performing in front of thousands; the next, they’re telling someone else what it takes to shine. Over the years, stars like Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Tyra Banks have taken a turn shaping new talent and calling the shots on some of TV’s biggest competition shows. Some were tough, some were hilarious, and some gave the kind of advice contestants never forget. We rounded up 20 celebrities who didn’t just bring the entertainment — they helped discover the next big thing.

1. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj judged Season 12 of “American Idol” in 2013, where she became known for her blunt feedback — and for giving contestants funny little nicknames. She later served as a guest judge on Season 12 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” bringing that same sharp eye for star quality.

2. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey also joined “American Idol” for the same season, bringing a true vocalist’s perspective to the panel. Even with all that superstar expertise, she later said the whole thing “was a bleak experience.”

3. Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland has become a go-to face behind the judging table. She joined “The X Factor UK” in Season 8, then stepped into “The X Factor USA” for Season 3. She later coached on “The Voice Australia,” guiding multiple artists to the win. Rowland even entered the dance world as a judge on Australia’s “Everybody Dance Now.” She’s also judged Netflix’s reality singing competition “Building the Band” and continues to expand her coaching empire, including a debut on “The Voice UK.”

4. Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams joined Season 7 of “The Voice” as a coach after CeeLo Green departed and stayed on for consecutive seasons. He also served as a mentor/judge on Rihanna’s “Styled to Rock,” a fashion design competition.

5. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys served as a coach on “The Voice” during Seasons 11, 12, and 14, and previously helped as Pharrell’s advisor in Season 7. She quickly became a favorite for her smooth, motivational approach that made singers believe they could win.

6. Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks turned “America’s Next Top Model” into one of the most recognizable reality competitions on TV. As the show’s creator, host, and head judge from 2003 to 2018, she turned the runway into must-see TV and made phrases like “smize” part of the dictionary. Across 24 cycles, Banks helped introduce new faces to the world and reimagined what a model could be.

7. Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson knows the competition show world from both sides of the stage. She first made her mark as a contestant on “American Idol,” then came back over a decade later as a coach on “The Voice UK” in 2017. She made history there as the first female coach to win the show. JHud also brought her powerhouse voice and motivation to “The Voice” in the U.S. for Seasons 13 and 15.

8. John Legend

John Legend stepped into the red chair on “The Voice” in Season 16 and has remained a fixture ever since. The EGOT winner coached the show through multiple seasons and celebrated a big win when his artist took the crown in Season 16. He’s also judged on “Duets,” showing he’s been helping shape new talent long before spinning around in that chair.

9. Usher

Usher didn’t stay long on “The Voice,” but he definitely made his mark as a coach in Seasons 4 and 6. His team delivered big results — including a major win. Outside of the red chair, Usher brought his dance expertise to the series “The Sauce,” where he served as both a judge and executive producer, helping spotlight dancers from across the U.S.

10. Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg has taken his laid-back star power to the competition world more than once. He sat on the coaching panel for “The Voice” in Seasons 26 and will return for Season 28. He was also a celebrity judge on “Go-Big Show,” a wild competition where extreme performers including monster trucks, horse riding, and large stage acts battled for big cash.

11. T-Pain

T-Pain joined “America’s Best Dance Crew” for its All-Stars season in 2015, bringing his energy and love for performance to the judging table. He later stepped into “Go-Big Show,” replacing Snoop Dogg in its second season.

12. Jamie Foxx

Although his role isn't typically a judge, Jamie Foxx has been the host and executive producer of “Beat Shazam” since the music competition show first launched in 2017. He also appeared as a guest judge on the Season 3 premiere of “The Masked Singer.”

13. T.I.

T.I. knows how to run a competition — and not just from the judge’s chair. On BET’s “The Grand Hustle,” he created a business showdown where contestants fought for a six-figure role in his empire, all while he served as both star and executive producer. He later brought that same standard as a judge on Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow.”

14. Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper also brought his thoughtful critiques and a calm presence to the first season of “Rhythm + Flow” in 2019. The Chicago artist then joined “The Voice” as a coach in Season 23 and returned for Season 25.

15. Cardi B

Cardi B made her judging debut loud and clear on “Rhythm + Flow” Season 1. Her humor, honesty and unfiltered reactions stood out as she helped discover new rap talent alongside T.I. and Chance the Rapper.

16. will.i.am

Will.i.am has been holding down a judging seat on “The Voice UK” since its premiere in 2012. He’s also appeared as a coach on “The Voice Australia” and served as a judge on “Alter Ego,” the FOX competition where contestants performed through digital avatars.

17. DJ Khaled

DJ Khaled joined “Rhythm + Flow” Season 2 in 2024 and was also a judge on “The Four: Battle for Stardom.” He also appeared as a guest judge on Season 12 of “America’s Got Talent,” bringing his signature confidence to the panel.

18. Ludacris

Ludacris joined “Rhythm + Flow” for Season 2, using his experience to help shape rising Hip Hop talent. He also served on the panel for “Rising Star,” where expert judges like him influenced the audience vote in real time.

19. Latto

Latto stepped into judging with “Rhythm + Flow” Season 2, sitting next to Ludacris and DJ Khaled. Having once been a contestant herself — winning the first season of “The Rap Game” — she knows exactly what it takes to compete and turn the moment into a career.

20. CeeLo Green

CeeLo Green was one of the original coaches on “The Voice,” appearing in the first three seasons before returning for Season 5. His creative approach and standout personality helped define the early days of the series.