American Idol returns for its eighth season today on FOX with a brand new judge, the songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi. The return of “American Idol” comes two months after the suicide in November of a former contestant and obsessed fan who took an overdose in her car outside Abdul’s Los Angeles home. The judges ridiculed the woman, Paula Goodspeed, in her 2005 audition. Cowell said last month that Goodspeed’s suicide hit the show “like an express train” and forced him to reflect on his harsh comments to bad singers.

AmericanIdol.com posted the following statements regarding the nomination of Kara DioGuardi as the fourth judge in the show: “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.” “We had originally intended for American Idol to have four judges,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “We’ve seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers.” Mike Darnell, President, alternative Programming of FOX, added, “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table. She’s been as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon, offering her invaluable expertise as a performer and No. 1 artist to the thousands who have competed on American Idol. 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.”

According to Reuters, DioGuardi’s addition to the lineup of Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell - who decide which singers go home in early rounds - sets up some dramatic splits among the judges.
Still, the choice seems to be the best, since Kara DioGuardi has been awarded 10 BMI Pop Awards for having written the most performed songs on radio. Besides, she penned beautiful songs interpreted by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana and Pink. Scores of 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. Moreover, she co-owns Arthouse Entertainment, where she develops and mentors fellow hit writers, producers and artists.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 5:27 pm and is filed under Americal Idol.