There have been many hints of big changes on the next season of American Idol. Already producer Nigel Lythgoe has left the show, leaving judge/producer/show creator Simon Cowell to increase his involvement in the show’s production.
The first big change is already upon us. American Idol is adding a fourth judge. Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi has joined American Idol as a fourth judge. One of the industry’s most sought after songwriters and producers, DioGuardi’s songs have appeared on more than 100 million records. Her songs have been recorded by Grammy award-winning artists including Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, and Pink. Many major recording artists including Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Natasha Bedingfield, Jewel, Ashley Tisdale, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Clay Aiken, Ashlee Simpson, Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Kylie Minogue, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Lachey, and Marc Anthony have also released DioGuardi’s songs. In 2006 she won the BMI Songwriter Of The Year award.
In a press conference Monday, DioGuardi said she hopes to bring an “honest opinion” to the show. DioGuardi described herself has a “straight shooter” who tells it like it is. She wants her comments to genuinely help the contestants improve as performers.
Now going into its eighth season, which starts in January 2009, Idol has been criticized for becoming stale. The judges have been at the heart of much of the criticism. They have perhaps become a bit predictable in their comments on the contestants' performances. “That was the bomb ... that was a bit pitchy ... that was dreadful... you sound like a wedding/lounge/karaoke singer,” and Paula’s “you are a star already” phrases have started to sound like they are choosing comments from a pre-written list.
Article comments
1 - BigBoi
Finally a new judge! Sounds like this gal means business too.
2 - Briana
I hate the new judge she is so fake.... She got rid of Katrina just because she is a jealous freak the new judge totally sucks..... Katrina can sing so much better than THAT IDIOT KARA i HOPE THEY GET RID OF THAT FREAK SHOW OF A JUDGE SHE HAS NO TASTE AT ALL AMERICAN IDOL IS GETTING A BAD REPUTATION WITH HER AROUND SHE SUCKS...
3 - El Bicho
That's funny. I thought all four judges got rid of Katrina because she was a terrible singer.
4 - kelsey kiltonic
I think you should speak more ( I mean first) because it seems you're going with Simon, Paula and Randy's answers!!!
5 - fina
Please get rid of KARA, she is so so snooty. She does not have anything interesting or new to say. I really will stop watching the show if American idol does not get rid of her. Simon I hope you are listening... GET RID OF KARA... she is NOT good for the show.
6 - Ben
KARA was a big mistake. Idol is going to lose viewers if they don't give her the boot. She is so so fake. there is nothing honest that she brings. She is a waste of air time. Please don't bring her back. please.
7 - Jordan Richardson
Idol is going to lose viewers because they keep inventing some new "twist" every week and the show's impossible to follow. Kara has nothing to do with it, plus she's hot and thus she is decidedly NOT a "waste of air time."
8 - Ree
I have watched all the previous years of AI.
Unfortunately, after Kara came on the scene I have
not watched it....bad move on AI part. I think
she adds absolutely zero to the show.
9 - leann
kara needs to take a hike
10 - kara
leann needs to take a hike
11 - savkalina
Kara makes us all cringe!! Bad move American Idol. Please get rid of her. We liked it the way it was.
12 - Colton
Ohh American Idol for the love of God please get rid of Kara. Criticizing Kris yesterday on the song she picked for him absolutely did it for me, she is absolutely terrible. How can you criticize him when you were the one that picked the song for the guy? And saying to Danny that his dancing looked a little desperate, WTF?!? just like Simon said this isn't a dancing competition, what she said had absolutely nothing to do with the show, which means she gives no real good advice at all. So please American Idol go back to Randy, Paula, and Simon, get rid of Kara!