Kara DioGuardi Picked as new American Idol Judge

Singer and songwriter Kara DioGuardi has been added on as the fourth judge in American Idol. She will start her run at judge's table along side hosts Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson this January when the new season premieres on FOX.

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Mike Darnell, the president of Fox said in a statement, "For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges' table. With Kara by her side, Paula has some backup and now there is going to be a lot more `girl power' on the show."

Executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz stated, "We had originally intended for `American Idol' to have four judges. We've seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers."

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American Idol: The Search for the Next Superstar is a signing competition airing on Fox Network going into its eighth season. The program seeks to discover the best singer in the country through a series of nationwide auditions. In the last rounds of the competition, viewers call in and vote for their favorite contestant. The winner of each season is given a record deal. Past winners and notable runners-up include Kelly Clarkston, Clay Aitkin, Taylor Hicks, Reuben Studdard and Carrie Underwood.