If Randy Jackson has been hard to recognize since ending his 12-year run on American Idol in 2014, its no accident. Hes lost 114 pounds after having gastric bypass surgery in 2003, and has been working hard at keeping it off.
For years Ive been developing things that are going to help me stay healthy, and treating my body right after so many years of treating it wrong, Randy, 63, exclusively tells Closer. So now, in addition to developing new TV shows, the musician whos played with everyone from Journey to Mariah Carey has founded Unify Health Labs, creating a line of wellness products to benefit himself and others.
These are things Ive learned along the way, and Im trying to take them forward for people, he says. Yet even with all the projects Randys taken on, the greatest hat I wear is being a father, the single dad of three reveals to Closer. Kids make you realize how precious life really is.
Keep scrolling below for Closers exclusive Q&A interview with Randy!
I was trying to assemble a team of professionals to help me design what Unify Health was going to be. I learned that most diseases start in the gut you literally are what you eat! And part of the issue was keeping the weight off. So trying to get sustainability with the weight loss is the real issue that led me through this health craze.
I feel really good! Id like to get taller. [Laughs] Theres no pill for that, though! I just want to be even healthier.
Simon [Cowell], Paula [Abdul] and I are all still very close. Well have dinner, well chat on the phone. Weve been plotting [project] ideas for a couple years now. Maybe one of these years well put something together. I talked to [Ryan] Seacrest a bit ago. If the four of us came back to Idol or a show like that, that would be interesting, We had some great chemistry.
What are your best memories from the show?
Simon, Paula and I had so much fun. The funny auditions are still the wildest to me, like the guy that thought he was a lion! And you watch a shy Carrie Underwood blossom in front of your eyes, see the greatness that Kelly Clarksons achieved. And Adam Lambert, Ruben [Studdard], Jordin Sparks, Chris Daughtry. And Fantasia my God! How do you feel about the latest slate of talent shows? The Masked Singer is really an entertainment show, which I think is great. Its not really about singing, its about guessing whos behind the mask. The Voice and Idol have some great judges and find some great talent. I dont know why none of that talent is successful, but wait I actually do. [Laughs] Cause they didnt have us to shepherd them. Cowell and I were A&R guys who developed stars and made records.
Being in the studio with Aretha [Franklin], a consummate professional. Shed come in and sing, do her thing once or twice just unbelievably great and then shes gone. I had lot of funny times with Mariah, Ms. Carey, just an amazing songwriter and singer. Also being in the studio with Bruce Springsteen, cracking jokes. Just seeing all the greats [Bob] Dylan, Elton [John], Billy Joel, Whitney [Houston], Madonna and their process, and trying as a younger producer, musician, writer to sponge it all up.
I was the greatest child ever! [Laughs] I was a supermodel at 1. No, Im kidding. I had a great childhood. The reason I am where I am now is because of the good, the bad, the different, because as a child, you dont see anything bad. I had two great parents. It wasnt always rosy, but thats what growing up is.
I certainly hope so! Some days I wonder. [Laughs]
My oldest is a film dialogue editor. The middle girl is a photographer. My sons a producer-DJ. Theyre all in the arts.
No, thank God. Im not that old yet! [Laughs]
By really being honest with them, telling them the truth and not ever shading it, cause I think people sugarcoat stuff a lot. Truth is the only reality we should live by.
You gotta love yourself first, and if you dont love yourself, you cant really love anyone else. That will help you with your health, with your mindset and everything else.
I currently have a girlfriend, so I think Im good there. I try to keep that very personal, very private.
Were still going strong with Randy Jackson Eyewear, 15 years now. Were developing two TV shows: Ones a new music show, and we also have a celebrity chat show called Turning Point. But everythings a bit on hold right now, as you can imagine.
Im just so happy and proud of what Ive learned, trying to pay the wisdom forward.
Take it one day at a time and good health is definitely the new wealth!
With reporting by Diana Cooper
Read more:
Randy Jackson Reflects on Career, Life and Weight Loss - Closer Weekly
