"American Idol" Has A Fourth Judge

'American Idol' Crowns a Fourth Judge
Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will be joined by Kara DioGuardi

There will be a new judge joining Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson when " American Idol" returns this January.

FOX announced on Monday (Aug. 25) morning that Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will join the judging panel for the eighth season of "American Idol" when the singing juggernaut returns to air this January.

"We are turning the heat up on 'Idol' this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges' table," says series 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."

FOX boasts that as a songwriter and producer, DioGuardi has worked with the likes of Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and Santana. She has also collaborated with a slew of "American Idol" favorites including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice and Clay Aiken.

"For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges' table," says FOX's alternative programming guru Mike Darnell. "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."

The core "Idol" trinity of Simon, Paula and Randy has been intact since the show first launched, joined occasionally by an assortment of variably successful celebrity guest judges. But dedicated "American Idol" fans know that this isn't the first time the series has added a fourth judge. Rapper-DJ Angie Martinez was introduced to the team before the start of the show's second season, but she quit after only four days of judging auditions, blaming the difficulties in criticizing aspiring singers.

"We had originally intended for 'American Idol' to have four judges," says 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."

"American Idol" completed its seventh season in May. Despite countless media reports about the show's declining ratings, it still ended the year as TV's most watched program by a wide margin. Long-time creative force Nigel Lythgoe recently announced he was stepping away from "American Idol," but the planning for next season appears not to have skipped a beat.

DioGuardi is talking to reporters this afternoon and stay tuned to Zap2it for additional updates.