American Idol has a new judge. Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul are all staying on as full-time judges, which means that, yes, American Idol is shifting from three to four judges on a permanent basis. The new judge’s name is Kara DioGuardi. The 37-year old multiple Grammy nominee is a pop song writer of epic proportions, having written and co-written hit songs for and with some of the biggest names in music. DioGuardi was previously a judge on ABC’s The One: Making a Music Star. American Idol’s eighth season will premiere sometime at the beginning of January 2009.
Executive producer Simon Fuller explained DioGuardi’s hiring, saying, “We are turning the heat up on ‘Idol’ this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table. She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”
DioGuardi has written songs for the best of the best in the recording industry. The list is positively astounding: Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, and Pink. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Her work will be heard on upcoming projects from the likes of David Cook, Britney Spears, Esmee Denters, Martina McBride, Hannah Montana, Demi Lovato, Diego, Menudo, Tom Jones, Amie Miriello, The Pussycat Dolls, Nick Lachey, Daniel Powter, Crosby Loggins, Tyler Hilton, Halestorm, Jesse Lee, and Clique.
DioGuardi will also give Paula some help in defending against the two gregarious male judges. “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,” said Mike Darnell, FOX”s President of Alternative Programming. This is the biggest personnel shake-up on American Idol since co-host Brian Dunkleman was dropped after season one. While that move was met with widespread apathy, one would expect Kara’s appointment to full-time judge to be somewhat more controversial.
-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source: FOX
(Image Courtesy of BP3)
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
