Kara DioGuardi – New American Idol Judge to Replace Paula Abdul?

The Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi, 37, has joined “American Idol” as a fourth judge, FOX announced on Monday morning. She will join veteran “Idol” judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson for the upcoming eighth season of U.S. television’s most watched show when it returns in January 2009.

The new “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi’s name may sound unfamiliar, but she is a big-time music business success story. DioGuardi’s songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, and Pink, among others. Her recent Top 40 hits include Stefani’s “Rich Girl,” Clarkson’s “Walk Away” and Dion’s “Taking Chances.”

Mike Darnell, FOX’s President of Alternative Programming, said, “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. She’s been as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon, offering her invaluable expertise as a performer and No. 1 artist to the thousands who have competed on ‘American Idol.’ With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show.”

Paula Abdul, 46, said she was excited to have another woman at the judges’ table. She had expressed uncertainty about the new format in a radio interview the day before, telling Phoenix’s 104.7 KISS-FM that she was “concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We’ll see.” As it happens, Abdul and DioGuardi are longtime friends. They co-wrote the dance song “Spinning Around” for Kylie Minogue in 2000.