Pop Songwriter Kara DioGuardi Is New American Idol Judge

Kara DioGuardi is one of the busiest and most in demand songwriters and producers in the pop music industry. Among her songwriting credits are such hits as "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera, "Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson, and "Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani. Now she will join one of the best known teams in the TV business. Beginning with the 2009 season, Kara DioGuardi will slide in next to Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson as a 4th American Idol judge.

Kara DioGuardi begins work today helping judge American Idol auditions. She has some TV judging experience with ABC television's The One: Making a Music Star in 2006. The show's producers claim that the addition of DioGuardi is not a sign of any problems with the show. They are simply "turning the heat up" and reportedly the original intention was for the show to have 4 judges. Next spring we will find out if this configuration is a wise one.

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