DioGuardi said the addition of a fourth judge will add a new dimension to the show and change up the chemistry between the judges. She dismissed any speculation that she is replacing anyone, saying the "producers are thrilled with the panel they have." She insists she's just an addition to an already successful show. In fact, DioGuardi already has a relationship with one of the judges. In 2000, DioGuardi co-wrote the Kylie Minoque hit “Spinning Around” with Paula Abdul.
Starting with her first job at Billboard magazine, DioGuardi has worked for several years in the music industry. She feels her experience working with new talent gives her a unique perspective for the judges' table. She also already has some reality TV judging experience under her belt. In 2006, she appeared on the short-lived ABC show The One: Making A Music Star.
When writing songs with former Idol contestants, DioGuardi said she always strives to make sure the songs are true to the person singing them. As an Idol judge she hopes to help the contestants discover themselves as performers. DioGuardi listed Kelly Clarkson as one of her favorite Idols, and also cited this past season's Brooke White as someone she admired.
DioGuardi said she "would not be partial" to anyone who chose to sing one of her songs during the competition. When asked if she had her own "Unchained Melody," (Simon Cowell's favorite song and one a lot of contestants choose for that reason) she replied: "Imagine." Viewers may be in store for a few renditions of that song, not to mention Archuleta's recent popular version.
DioGuardi said American Idol has been a good thing for the songwriting industry. Contestants who are fresh off the show are often in need of new material when they begin working on albums. That’s a good thing for songwriters like DioGuardi. As mentioned, she has worked with several Idols in the past. She co-wrote "Walk Away" with Kelly Clarkson, "The Real Thing" for Bo Bice, and "The Way" for Clay Aiken. She also worked with Katharine McPhee on her debut album and co-wrote "Heaven Knows" and "Give Me Tonight" for Taylor Hicks. She wrote a song for the upcoming David Archuleta album and co-wrote a song with David Cook for his new album.
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!