American Idol Judge, Kara DioGuardi, Fired

Nigel Lythgoe just might be a very good PR man. Is he orchestrating the current surge of interest in American Idol? The Dancing with the Stars judge and former American Idol producer is reportedly returning to the Idol show for season 10, and he's itching to 'shake things up.' Seems he's getting get his wish.

In case you've been living under a rock, American Idol is a reality television program focused on tapping into America's unknown raw talent. Click here to see highlights of the past season's highlights.

Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres have quit American Idol, and Kara DioGuardi is said to have gotten the boot. It appears that Randy Jackson is temporarily a solo act on the American Idol judging panel. That is until Monday, August 2^nd, when the Fox Channel sheds some light on this situation at the Television Critics Association Event. Rumors are circulating that Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler will be occupying the seats next to Randy. I'm thinking J-Lo might be too nice for the job, and I'm wondering why Steven Tyler would want it. Oh yeah, money.

Personally, I thought the four-panel judging crew was a bit much anyway. Three opinions seemed to be more than enough. The judges were spending more time acting 'cute and funny' than they were giving constructive musical criticism.

Kara DioGuardi has been an Idol judge for two years. She was under fire for not being 'up to par', especially during her first year. She appeared much more comfortable the second year. I thought her critiques were spot-on much of the time. I found myself agreeing with her more often than not. Kara is working under a year-to-year contract, and the word is that it's not being renewed.

Ellen DeGeneres had decided on Thursday, July 29^th, that American Idol judging was not for her. Even though she had a four-year contract, she's calling it quits. The show requires blunt and often tough evaluations. Ellen wasn't comfortable with that scenario when push came to shove. I often felt that she was holding back, not wanting to hurt any feelings. At least she's upfront about it and is getting out. I still wonder if there isn't something else behind her decision though. Just a hunch on my part.

Simon Cowell, of course, went out amidst fanfare at the end of season 9. Paul Abdul even came back to get in on the action. Simon is concentrating on the U.S. version of "X-Factor".

Time will tell what direction American Idol will take. They have given rise to some great talent, such as Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood, who might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Hey...how about Harry Connick, Jr. as a judge? He was my favorite American Idol mentor.