Kara DioGuardi Added as Fourth American Idol Judge

Who's Kara DioGuardi and why will her name be a household word a year from now? Most notably, Kara DioGuardi has just been named as a fourth judge on American Idol. That's right. American Idol will have a fourth judge sitting on the panel alongside Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. American Idol's fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi will join the show for its eighth season which will air beginning in January 2009, according to Americanidol.com.

What has Kara DioGuardi Done?

Aside from judging American Idol, Kara DioGuardi has had tremendous success as a songwriter and producer. Kara DioGuardia has worked with Gwen Stefani, Miley Cyrus, Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera, and a whole slew of former American Idol contestants. As a songwriter, we can probably assume that she can put her sentences together in a coherent fashion. That will make three out of four American Idol Judges with that particular talent.

Does Kara DiGuardi give American Idol "Street Cred?"

The newly announced fourth American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi is 37 years old and 9 years younger than Paula Abdul. Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell are both older than Paula. Presumably the intent of the American Idol producers is to try to add some relevance for the more youthful viewer by adding a fourth American Idol judge who is actually working with some of the top stars in the recording industry.

We can only hope that Kara DioGuardi's feedback for American Idol contestants goes beyond "That was a little pitchy for me, dog." Last season's American Idol viewers must have been treated to that nugget of wisdom about 90 times during the course of season seven. So, it seems that American Idol is trying to spice things up a bit and regain some street cred with the addition of Kara DioGuardi as the fourth American Idol Judge.

American Idol Hasn't Jumped the Shark Yet

We can give American Idol the benefit of the doubt and not assume they've "Jumped the Shark" until Ted McGinley appears as the show's host. American Idol fans need not fear for this season since he just signed on for a stint with Dancing With The Stars. Who could have thought Dancing With the Stars could have come up with more obscure cast than last year's show featuring Adam Corolla? Have you ever heard of Jeff Ross? I'm pretty sure that a year from now, Kara DioGuardi's name will be a little more recognizable than his.