"American Idol" Adds Feisty Fourth Judge

Douglas Boultinghouse
Arts & Entertainment Editor

   For seven seasons, Fox’s "American Idol" featured three judges guiding contestants towards the finale. Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson helped launch the careers of Idol winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and David Cook.

Courtesy of AmericanIdol.com

New Judge - Fox added Kara DioGuardi as the fourth judge on "American Idol." DioGuardi wrote and produced hits for former "Idols."

   Only five of the winners succeeded in the music industry after the hype of the previous season faded. Take a guess at the two unlucky ones.

   Many of the "Idols" teamed up with award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Kara DioGuardi.

   Her credits include writing hits for Clarkson, Underwood and other "Idol-album," along with Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, Pink, Britney Spears and many more. She also provides background vocals for many artists.

   When Fox went looking for a fourth judge to add the dynamic benefits for contestants seen on the international series, DioGuardi filled the slot.

   "We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table," Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of the show, said on the show’s official Web site. "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," he added.

   Fuller nailed it on the head when he called DioGuardi sassy. In the past two weeks of auditions, she held her own against the often over-critical Cowell.

   She quickly snapped at Cowell for interrupting her critique of an audition. She made it clear what she had to say would be said.

   DioGuardi proves each week to be the best addition the show has seen.

   When the contestants become lost in Jackson’s "dawg" comments, lost along with Abdul and her train of thought or confused by Cowell’s analogies to a hamburgers or cruise ships, DioGuardi can save them.

   She offers criticism that is constructive because she sings, writes and produces. She knows what it takes to make it and can tell who possesses those capabilities.

   For the first time, one of the judges can demonstrate how a note should sound to a contestant, informing the person where they need to improve. DioGuardi masters this.

   With that said, why did Fox wait until the eighth season to bring DioGuardi on board?

   "American Idol" airs Tuesday and Wednesday nights on Fox.

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