Kara DioGuardi Joins American Idol Judges' Panel for Season 8

In case you didn’t hear about it back in August, a fourth judge has been added to the American Idol panel. This new element being added to the mix is none other than hit making, award nominated, song writer Kara DioGuardi.

“We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “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.” [source]

Lately folks have been buzzing about possible tension between DioGuardi and veteran Idol judge/pop icon Paula Abdul. Adbul laughed off the rumors, pointing out that she and DioGuardi are close friends.

According to the Daily Dish, if this was an attempt by Simon Cowell to throw Abdul off her game, or drive a wedge between the two women, he completely missed the mark. Apparently it was Abdul who gave DioGuardi her first big break:

“This one has backfired on him. Ten years ago on a rainy day in New York a girl comes up and says, ‘You’re Paula Abdul. There’s a signed thank you letter you wrote in my boss’ office.’ I asked who her boss was, and he was the president of Billboard magazine. So I invited her to lunch, and we wrote a song that day, on a napkin.

“It turned out to be the biggest song for Kylie Minogue ever (‘Spinning Around’). It hit number one all over Europe.”[source]

Sounds like season 8 of American Idol is set to explode with drama. Catch the season premier January 13 & 14, on Fox. If you care not about the drama between the judges and just want to get a peek at the Season 8 auditions and get the latest American Idol news, visit the official website.

Image via Newscom