“American Idol” Hopefuls To Be Judged By Former Dave Stewart Collaborator

noah | August 25, 2008 10:30 am
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Alas, I’m not talking about Annie Lennox. In an effort to bring what a Fox exec calls more “girl power” to the show, the judges’ table for the next season of American Idol will now have a Coke cup for songwriter Kara DioGuardi, who’s shared writing credits on songs including Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Walk Away” and collaborated with Stewart on the pseudo-retro project Platinum Weird. DioGuardi, who Idol head honcho Simon Fuller called “a smart, sassy lady,” is being billed as the show’s fourth judge, which I guess means either that the judges’ table will be widened or Paula Abdul will get some time off to “rest” now and again. (One producer claims that Idol was always supposed to have four judges, although it seems strange to me that it took the executives this long to find someone who wanted the gig.) A few highlights of DioGuardi’s career after the jump.

Platinum Weird – “Taking Chances”

That’s DioGuardi on lead vocals.

Kelly Clarkson – “Walk Away”

This video perfectly captures my reaction to this track.

Hilary Duff – With Love

Ashlee Simpson – La La

Time has not been kind to this track. (Christ, her voice.)

Katharine McPhee – “Love Story”

A song that deserved better. At least McPhee’s Idol appearance helped kickstart her acting career, right?

Lindsay Lohan – “Confessions Of A Broken Heart”

I wonder if this means this year will have “Inappropriate Overshare Week.”

Celine Dion – “Taking Chances”

Does this mean we’re going to have a Celine Dion mentor week? Dare to dream.

GRAMMY-NOMINATED SONGWRITER KARA DIOGUARDI JOINS PAULA ABDUL, SIMON COWELL AND RANDY JACKSON AS JUDGE ON “AMERICAN IDOL” [Press release via The Futon Critic]