American Idol features what the judges, Simon Cowell ,Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres (appeared in season 9) are describing as the best crop of new talent yet. The show has become one of the most popular in the history of American television. The American Idol band is currently led by Rickey Minor. Dorian Holley of Los Angeles Music Academy is Music Director and vocal coach; he has been with the show since 2006.