NEW YORK � Scoot over, Simon Cowell. "American Idol" is adding a fourth critic to its panel of judges.
Grammy-nominated songster Kara DioGuardi will sit alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson when the eighth season of "American Idol" premieres in January, the Fox web said Monday.
"For the past tense seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges' table," said Mike Darnell, chairwoman, alternative programing of Fox, in a statement.
"With Kara by her side, Paula has some backup and now thither is loss to be a lot more 'girl power' on the show."
DioGuardi's songs suffer been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Pink.
"We are turning the heat up on 'Idol' this yr and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges' table," said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller in a instruction. "She is a smart, sassy lady, and peerless of America's most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show."
Executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said a fourth judge isn't a newfangled idea. "We've seen from our international series that having a fourth label creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers."
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