Kara DioGuardi on American Idol - Review: Did the New Judge Deliver for the Season 8 Premier?

Guest judges have been utilized in past seasons of Fox’s ratings juggernaut, but 2009 is the first year American Idol has expanded the core judging panel of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

Who is the Fourth Judge?

The newcomer is a very successful songwriter named Kara DioGuardi. Ms. DioGuardi’s first name became a source of playful contention on night one of the new season, for although her name is pronounced “care-uh,” Simon Cowell insisted on calling her “car-uh” much to the confusion of contestants and viewers alike.

But it was not her name that held everyone’s attention, it was her ability to seamlessly blend in with the other judges yet hold her own as an individual. Unlike previous guest judges who did little more than parrot already voiced opinions or offer milk-toast praise that added nothing to the decision-making, Ms. DioGuardi burst forth as a judging force to be reckoned with. She proved she was no guest. She belongs.

Success Breeds Success

Kara DioGuardi’s background as a prolific award-winning songwriter brings a different perspective to American Idol. As any songwriter can attest, inspiration comes from many places, and as the contestants perform, Ms. DioGuardi’s songwriting instincts give her the ability to hear a potential hit perfectly suited to the contestant's voice before others may even know such possibilities exist.

While viewers may hear a great vocal performance during an audition, Ms. DioGuardi may hear a voice that is ready to be married to the next great song already forming in her head. It is an exciting prospect and adds a rich dimension to the process.

Feisty and Fun

While some may think that Ms. DioGuardi’s spirited burst into song to show a bikini-clad contestant just how the song should really be sung was rude, it is that kind of spontaneous freshness that helped make opening night of Season 8 more fun than usual.

No one likes to see contestants humiliated, but mixing it up with them is what viewers enjoy and expect. And Ms. DioGuardi’s ability to recognize and exploit opportunities for fun is a welcome breath of fresh air for a long-in-the-tooth show.

Here to Stay

If American Idol’s Season 8 premier night is any indication, the viewers are in for a treat. The addition of Ms. DioGuardi to the show may prove to be one of the best decisions made by American Idol’s powers-that-be since its inception.

Jan 15, 2009 10:45 AM

Guest :

I think Kara is really obnoxious. She's made the show not-so-enjoyable anymore.

Jan 18, 2009 4:04 PM

Guest :

I agree with Tricia. She brings a breath of fresh air to the show! She knows what she's talking about and she's open and honest and I hope she hangs around for a very long time!!

Jan 31, 2009 12:26 PM

Guest :

Kara's bursting into song to show the bakini clad contestant how to sing it... was not only rude but distasteful as well. When the contestant bit back with "your version wasn't any better" which only provoked Kara to do it again... clearly showed a lack of maturity on Kara's part not to mention it was insecure move ---she felt had to prove herself to this contestant? For someone who's supposed to be a critically aclaimed songwriter/producer on over 100 million records... you'd think she'd have a bit more self esteem than that! A spicy addition to Idol perhaps...but necessary..... nah. IDOL is not about songwriters ... its really about singers. Her contribution is probably better suited for the Idol winner who will need a hit song to propell them into stardom afterwards. There was a chemtistry between the original 3 judges... it was and still is a formula that works perfectly. When you throw a new ingredient into the mix you better be sure its not going to spoil the recipe. Basically, If it aint broke DON'T fix it. By the way, I looked up most of kara's work and contrary to the way it is presented to the public... she is not the ONLY songwriter ...she is usually a CO-WRITER or part of a group of writers. Thats still honorable but it would be way more impressive if she were the ONLY writer behind each song. Its interesting how the truth gets bent sometimes isn't it. I guess theres a little of that on everyone's resume huh.

Mar 6, 2009 6:52 AM

Guest :

Kara is trying to show everyone up. It's a mistake. But beyond that, she dropped to a pretty deep low early on in the auditions when a contestant professed to be a fan of hers and showed her a binder full of songs she had written. The contestant didn't have the vocals where it mattered, so she didn't go on. But rather than being flattered that she had a fan, Kara made a rude comment about the girl behind her back after she left. Something about "if that's one of my fans, what does that say about me?" So the girl got to see herself dissed behind her back on national TV for the first time.

Feisty, yes. Classy, no. She owes an apology for rudenesss to her admirer but also for competing with the contestants. I increasingly believe that she is trying to compete with the other judges and with the contestants in order to make a name for herself.

Pretty poor start Kara.