Check it out, dawg: ‘American Idol’s’ most memorable catchphrases

As “American Idol” concludes its epic, 14-year broadcast run, it’s easy to remember the show as merely a shadow of the reality TV institution that once was. The series, however, wormed its way into the collective unconscious, in no small part thanks to how delightfully quotable its judges and host were. Here are some of the phrases and quotes that found their way into the cultural lexicon and will forever recall the phenomenon that was “American Idol,” dawg.

RANDY JACKSON

Randy Jackson

(Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

“yo, yo, yo”

“Check it out, dawg”

“yo, dawg”

“Pitchy”

SIMON COWELL

“If I’m being honest…”

“Utterly horrendous”

RYAN SEACREST

“Seacrest, out” (old catch phrase, eventually stopped using but people will remember this one)

“Dim the lights … here we go” (he tweets this)

PAULA ABDUL

“I want to squish you! Squish your head off and dangle you from my rearview mirror.” (this quote was specific to David Archuleta)

“You look so beautiful tonight!”