More news is emerging about the new season of American Idol. The producers have decided to add a fourth judge to change up the dynamic. Songwriter Kara DioGuardi is set to join Randy, Simon and Paula at the judges’ table this year.
Scoot over, Simon Cowell. “American Idol” is adding a fourth critic to its panel of judges.
Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will sit alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson when the eighth season of “American Idol” premieres in January, the Fox network said Monday.
“For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table,” said Mike Darnell, president, alternative programming of Fox, in a statement.
“With Kara by her side, Paula has some backup and now there is going to be a lot more `girl power’ on the show,” Darnell said.
DioGuardio’s songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Pink, among others.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said a fourth judge isn’t a new idea.
“We had originally intended for `American Idol’ to have four judges,” she said. “We’ve seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers.”
I don’t think the problem with the show is that Paula is the only female judge. It’s that Paula is the batshit crazy judge. I would be very surprised if this new judge backs up Paula’s insane ramblings simply because they are the same gender. Given this new judge’s background, she will actually know what she is talking about, which will be a welcome change. Now, if they could just fire Ryan Seacrest, the show might be watchable again.
I was hoping the fourth judge would be Judge Judy. What a show that would make with her on the panel. Honest? Hell Yeah!!
“batshit crazy” doesn’t even describe her crazy…
Ooh, a female songwriter. That sort of talent is underrepresented on TV. Cool! I hope she has some personality. Needless to say she’ll probably be more coherent than Paula.
Paula’s nuts, Randy’s ineffective, Simon’s the only real judge on there. Let’s hope the new girl has the balls to speak up honestly.
MSat, you really think they should fire Ryan? He’s like the rainbow sprinkles on top of the donut – frivolous but essential!
Kara sounds like a welcome addition to the judges’ panel, and she’ll surely have a better/more varied vocabulary than Randy (I kid because I love). I’m just glad they’re not getting rid of any of the original three.
After seeing Kat Deely rock So You Think You Can Dance, Seacrest is a moldy biscuit. I’m with MSat, dump the chump. More Kat, or other charmers like her.
Oooh, though, glad a woman with a real job in the music industry is going to be on the panel. As long as she doesn’t start talking about any of the singer’s glittery auras or whatever smack Paula talks, I think it will be winning for all parties.
I first thought they were going to replace Paula. It turned out the producers decided to add a fourth judge. Though there’s gossip that Paula is pissed about this, I expect new “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi will add fresh inputs and better critique of the contestants’ performances.