Kara DioGuardi Exits "American Idol" as Judge

(AP)  Updated at 9:30 p.m. ET

Kara DioGuardi is following Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell out the door at "American Idol."

Her departure leaves Randy Jackson, who's been with the singing contest from the start, the last judge standing, for now. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are the reported front-runners for the panel.

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Entertainment mogul Simon Fuller, creator of the British show "Pop Idol" that was the template for the U.S. series he produces, called DioGuardi a standout songwriter whom he planned to work with in music "for many years to come."

DioGuardi, whose exit had been rumored, is a hit machine whose songs have been recorded by Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill, Marc Anthony and others, including past "Idol" winners.

"I felt like I won the lottery when I joined `American Idol' two years ago, but I feel like now is the best time to leave `Idol,"' DioGuardi said in a statement Friday, calling her experience as a judge on the show "amazing."

Her statement, issued by Fox, didn't elaborate on her reasons for leaving. Her contract reportedly had a one-year option remaining that the network could have exercised.

Although she offered informed critiques on "Idol," observers faulted her for lacking the pizazz - and unpredictability - that ex-judge Paula Abdul had provided.

DioGuardi's departure comes as the top-rated show continues auditions for its 10th season, which starts airing in January. Tryouts have been held in six cities, with a seventh announced this week for Los Angeles on Sept. 22.

The final decision on which would-be pop stars make it on the show rests with the judges, who are likely to begin filming their audition segments this month.

Cowell started the exodus from "American Idol" earlier this year, when he announced he was leaving to launch another talent show for Fox, "The X Factor," based on the hit British program he created.

In July, DeGeneres, who was brought in to replace Abdul, said she was leaving after a single season. The talk show host said she felt uncomfortable criticizing young talent.

Some critics had complained DeGeneres was more of a cheerleader than an incisive critic in the fashion of Cowell, who was consistently blunt in his remarks.

The judges' turnover gives "American Idol" a chance to recapture the Cowell-Abdul chemistry that helped make the show a hit, along with, crucially, its ability to launch such top-selling artists as Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

While the show has long been No. 1 in the ratings, it has to stem a slide in viewership to remain there.

A total of 24.2 million viewers watched the ninth season's final duel between Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox, compared to the nearly 29 million viewers who saw Kris Allen win over Adam Lambert last year.

[erasmus111]

"Kara DioGuardi Exits "American Idol" as Judge"


YES, YES, YES!



"...Jennifer Lopez are the reported front-runners for the panel."



NO! NO! NO!


What happened to them saying that she was too DEMANDING, and taking back their offer? They need to stick to that decision.

Harry Connick Jr. would be a better choice. Hell, anyone would be a better choice.

[erasmus111]

"Kara DioGuardi Exits "American Idol" as Judge"


YES, YES, YES!



"...Jennifer Lopez are the reported front-runners for the panel."



NO! NO! NO!


What happened to them saying that she was too DEMANDING, and taking back their offer? They need to stick to that decision.

Harry Connick Jr. would be a better choice. Hell, anyone would be a better choice.

[httpwwwnews]

You couldn't beat the Simon, Paula, and Randy combo; the edgy critic, generous sweetheart, and utter coolness. As they played off of each other, they made the show.

Then they added Kara. From the audience it looked like Kara's dominant personality drove Paula off. And probably Ellen too.

Likely Idol will slide off into the sunset if they don't get the right judges chemistry going for us fans, because the show's judging format of telephone/text voting selection of the winner. Most people realize that it's mostly done by teens and young 20's input, and isn't always a reflection of the older viewing fans. In recent years young voters rejected some real talents on the show and disappointed non-voting viewers who didn't agree. Many older viewers don't have ATT texting and won't sit up on work nights redialing 100 times to vote everytime they get a busy signal. If they want to revitalize the show, they should let people vote on-line as well. Pop onto the idol site, drop a vote after the show, before you go to bed. If people thought they were part of the action, they'd watch no matter who the judges were.

Haven't the slightest idea who Steven Tyler is or why they would pick Jennifer Lopez? We're waiting for Simon's new show...in the meantime, there's always our perenial favorite, Dog, The Bounty Hunter! hehehe

[JCraig_Church]

Suits me just fine, with every one of the judges who leave American Idol, that is pushing the show closer to cancelation. I will shed not a tear when this drivel is off the air and something else (hopefully interesting) takes its slot. Seems like there are hundreds of channels on and not a thing worth watching.

[formrusmcsgt]

Who the hell is Kara Dioguardi?

[erasmus111]

She's the nitwit judge that kept rubbing up against Simon all year, while her husband watched.

[erasmus111]

She's the nitwit judge that kept rubbing up against Simon all year, while her husband watched.