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'American Idol's' New Judge Responds to Paula Abdul's "Concerns"
Simon Cowell certainly didn't lie when he told me on Friday that big changes were ahead for "American Idol." Today it was announced that the show would be adding a fourth judge to the mix for season eight. Thirty-seven-year-old Grammy nominated songwriter, Kara Dioguardi, has been tapped to sit alongside Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
This is actually not the first time the show has attempted using a fourth judge though. Back in season two rapper Angie Martinez was given as spot as the fourth judge but quit after only five days on the job. At the time she issued a statement to the media explaining that it was "too uncomfortable for me to tell someone else to give up on their dream."
Like Julia Roberts famously said in "Pretty Woman" - "Big Mistake. Huge." Unless Angie didn't want to become a household name.
Whether the audience will accept Kara or not remains to be seen but don't expect Kara to go away as quickly as Angie. This is a smart cookie that is used to telling people like it is behind the scenes. Though she started out wanted to be an artist herself, Kara quickly morphed into a songwriter. She has worked with a long list of A-list artists including Celine Dion, Pink, Marc Anthony and Faith Hill among many, many others. She has also had her hands in the songs of past Idols - Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Katherine McPhee, Taylor Hicks and right now David Cook.
Kara's first day on the job is tomorrow in New York City. In a conference call with reporters this afternoon she admitted to being nervous but ready to take on the challenge. So, will she be the mean judge, the nice judge or something in between? According to Kara she is just going to be herself,
"I'm gonna be a straight shooter and say it like I see it and just kind of maintain that philosophy."
The bug question is why mess with a successful trio?
"I think it was just about adding a new person and probably creating a new chemistry," Kara told reporters.
Not surprisingly, Paula seems less than thrilled with the new addition. During a radio interview with Phoenix's KISS-FM this morning, just after the official announcement, she expressed concerns about how the audience would accept a fourth judge.
The irony though is that according to Kara she and Paula have a great relationship. They co-wrote a song together called "Spinning Around" that became a hit for Aussie singer Kylie Minogue.
When asked what she thought Paula would say, Kara seemed hopeful,
"I've always had a great relationship with Paula and I can't imagine her not being happy about it."
She remained upbeat about it even when one reporter broke the news to her about the KISS-FM interview - suggesting Paula's concern come from a feeling she might be replaced soon.
"No, I'm not concerned at all," Kara, said, "Anybody with a right brain would say something like that. She's on a big, big show. She is just probably pondering what could or could not happen just like anybody would."
Can't wait to see how this all plays out! Simon said he was looking for a bit more controversy on the show this season. This could be part of it!
Maybe Paula and Kara will fight over Simon this time =]
Your post is so interesting. Inspiring and educational. Keep up the good work. I love this blog!
im not a huge fan of her i really dont like her at all we dont need another judge were fine with 3