Kara DioGuardi, the new American Idol judge

After seven seasons, American Idol is getting a new judge. Fox has announced Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will serve as Idol's new fourth judge and join Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson as a regular member of the show's eighth-season judging panel.

"We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara DioGuardi to the judges' table," Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller said. "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."

Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi (born December 9, 1970) is an American songwriter, record producer, and singer who has contributed to a long list of internationally successful popular songs. She writes music of the light pop-rock genre. She will be a judge on the eighth season of American Idol. Kara DioGuardi's songs have been recorded by artists including Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Hilary Duff, Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne, Hannah Montana, The Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Santana, Ashlee Simpson, Jewel, Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue, and many others. DioGuardi has also had much success with major Latin music artists including RBD, Laura Pausini, Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony, Thalía, Ricky Martin, and Carlos Santana. DioGuardi can also be heard performing backup vocals on some of these recordings.

Pop Idol, the since-canceled British reality competition American Idol was based on, featured four judges (one of whom was Cowell) during both its seasons, which aired in 2002 and 2003. Kara DioGuardi's addition as the new American Idol judge represents the completion of a similar plan for American Idol, according to the show's producers.