The new season of American Idol kicked off this week and there’s a new feisty kid on the block. It’s American songwriter, record producer, and singer, Kara DioGuardi.Kara DioGuardi is responsible for producing songs for such stars as Pink, Christina Aguilera Gwen Stefani, and Ashlee Simpson. There has been much speculation since the announcement first hit the news wires. Many have wondered if Kara DioGuardi is actually being groomed to replace the often goofy but always nice, Paula Abdul.American Idol show producers insist that they’ve always intended to have a fourth judge on the show.American Idol’s executive producer, Simon Fuller stated, “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.”Kara DioGuardi’s initial dream of becoming a rock star didn’t happen as planned so she switched gears and became a songwriter. Kara quickly rose to the top to become highly sought after, writing hit songs for many of today’s top superstars ranging from Celine Dion to Pink.Kara DioGuardi personally believes that her struggles and successes should earn her artistic empathy among the American Idol contestants and critics alike.Becoming the newest judge on America’s top TV show has to be bring on a lot of pressure.DioGuardi who is 38 years old will join the popular judging group of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. American Idol enters its eighth season on the FOX network.Kara DioGuardi appeared on TODAY show and was interviewed by Matt Lauer.Kara said, “I’m a straight shooter, I’m going to tell it like I see it, but I’m also going to bring some heart to the show.” DioGuardi continued by saying, “I don’t want to make anyone cry. I’m not there to destroy their dreams.It looks like Kara DioGuardi won’t sit between Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. FOX probably doesn’t want to interfere with the color exchanges, and ongoing battles that bring a freshness to the show.DioGuardi did admit like anything new she has to get used to her new environment and the lively cast of characters.“I’m a little nervous, believe me,” Kara told Lauer. “It’s scary, especially with the live shows coming up, and the first day, you’re there with Paula, with Simon, with Randy — they are a common trio, they are so well-known. It’s a little nerve-racking.”Kara DioGuardiKara DioGuardiKara DioGuardiKara DioGuardiKara Elizabeth DioGuardi (born December 9, 1970) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, music publisher, A&R executive, composer and TV personality. She writes music primarily in the light pop-rock, dance, and R&B genres. DioGuardi has worked with many popular artists[4]; her songs have appeared on more than 159 million albums worldwide[citation needed]. Kara is a Grammy nominated writer, 2011 NAMM Music For Life Award winner, 2009 NMPA Songwriter Icon Award winner, 2007 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year, and has received 15 BMI Awards for co-writing the most performed songs on the radio.DioGuardi served as a judge on American Idol for its eighth and ninth seasons. In 2008 she was appointed to the position of executive vice president of talent development at Warner Bros. Records, and has signed acts such as Jason Derülo and Iyaz.
