American Idol Confusion

Fox Network announced today that Kara DioGuardi will join American Idol as a fourth judge for the new season, joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul at the judges' table. One of the industry’s most sought after songwriters and producers, DioGuardi’s songs have appeared on more than 100 million records. Her songs have been recorded by Grammy award-winning artists including 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.

The press release said :

“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.”

More girl power? Or are they trying to make Paula look . . . I dunno . . . smart? Check out this quote from DioGuardi:

My history with the show is that I’ve written a bunch of songs that have been erformed and released by Idols. I co-wrote “Walk Away” from Kelly Clarkson and with Kelly Clarkson. I co-wrote the “Real Thing” for Bo Bice and actually won two BMI Awards they were extremely performed on the radio. I’ve written with Katherine McPhee and for Katherine McPhee on her record. Clay Aiken [and] I co-wrote “The Way.” Taylor Hicks. I’m probably leaving an Idol out. I’m sorry, which one would that be, I think that’s it.

Sounds like Paula wrote that. Is she saying she and Clay Aiken co-wrote "The Way" or is she saying she co-wrote it for him? Clay recorded "The Way" on his debut CD "Measure of a Man" but according to the liner notes, it was co-written by Steve Morales, Enrique Iglesias, Kara DioGuardi and David Siegel. While Clay Aiken has written and recorded his own songs, he didn't write that one. What is she saying?

Between Paula and Kara, this season's critiques are going to be confusing at best. Kara, you just are . . .



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Kara DioGuardi, American Idol, Clay Aiken, Enrique Iglesias, Kelly Clarkson