Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi is to become a new judge on the new series of American Idol. DioGuardi, who has written tracks for the likes of Gwen Stefani and Kylie Minogue, will join regular judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson when the show returns.
Kara DioGuardi is well respected in the music industry, she has also written tracks for Christina Aguilera as well as former X Factor winner Leona Lewis. She said “I’m going to be a straight-shooter,” she said. “I’m just somebody who’s really honest and gives my opinion.” She also added “If I feel the need to be hard with someone in order to get that across, I will be and if I feel I need to be softer and more nurturing with some of the contestants, I’ll be that.”
DioGuardi said that it is not only the quality in the voice that she looks for in the singers, she also looks at their individual style. She said that it is not all about the vocal acrobatics; it’s more about being unique which makes you more identifiable.
Auditions start in New York this week, it is hoped that the new series of American Idol will be as popular if not more popular than the last series. 32 million viewers tuned in to watch as David Cook was announced American Idol winner.
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